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Laureth-23 white or almost white, unctuous and hygroscopic mass, melting at 24 °C into a colourless or yellowish, viscous liquid.
Laureth-23 is a synthetic ingredient used in many different cosmetic and skincare products to improve the texture and feel.
Laureth-23 ingredients are produced by a process known as ethoxylation, a chemical reaction in which ethylene oxide is added to a substrate.
CAS Number: 9002-92-0
Molecular Formula: (C2H4O)nC12H26O
Molecular Weight: 1199.55
EINECS Number: 500-002-6
Synonyms: Laureth-23, Lipocol L-23, N72LMW566G, Ethosperse LA-23, Laureth-23, Peg-23 Lauryl Ether, LAURETH-23 (II), POLYOXYETHYLENE (23) LAURYL ETHER, POLYOXYETHYLENE 23 LAURYL ETHER, POLYOXYL 23 LAURYL ETHER, POLYOXYL 23 LAURYL ETHER (USP-RS), Brij|r L23, BRIJ 35 FOR SYNTHESIS, C12E23, Fatty alcohol polyoxyethylene ether, GENAPOL(R) C-100, DETERGENT, GENAPOL(R) X-080, GENAPOL(R) X-080, DETERGENT, GENAPOL(R) X-100
Laureth-23 is a synthetic polyoxyether of lauryl alcohol. The number indicates the average molecules of ethylene oxide.
More the number, the physical state changed from liquid to solid.
Each laureth may have a different physical form but the uses are almost same.
In this case, the substrate is lauryl alcohol.
Laureth-23 is extracted from lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid with a chain of 12 carbon atoms that can be found in palm kernel oil or coconut oil.
The number associated with lauryl-23 indicates the average number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the molecule.
As the value of the lauryl polyether component increases, the consistency or viscosity increases until it becomes a white waxy solid.
Laureth-23 is a synthetic, nonionic surfactant that is produced by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol, meaning that lauryl alcohol is reacted with ethylene oxide to create a molecule with both hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-attracting) parts.
Laureth-23 typically contains about 23 ethylene oxide units, which is where the “23” in its name comes from, and this high level of ethoxylation makes it highly water-soluble and effective at reducing the surface tension between substances such as oil and water.
Because of these properties, Laureth-23 is often used in cosmetics, personal care products, and pharmaceutical formulations as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and thickening agent, helping to stabilize mixtures and ensure that ingredients are evenly dispersed.
Laureth-23 is also used in some industrial applications, where its ability to blend otherwise immiscible materials is valuable, and it is generally considered to have low irritation potential when used at appropriate concentrations.
As a non-ionic surfactant, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether has excellent washing, emulsifying, dispersing, wetting, and solubilizing functions.
It also shows strong foaming ability, easy rinsing performance, and excellent detergency.
Because this substance acts as one of the lowest irritant species among various surfactants, it is often selected as raw material for mild detergents, shampoos (such as baby shampoos), bath lotion, cleansing milk, and cosmetics.
In addition, this chemical may function as emulsifier, softener, wetting agent, and foaming agent.
In terms of solubilizing function, this product has been demonstrated to assist in solubilization of steroid hormones, benzoic acid derivatives, and barbiturates.1-3 Besides, when used as surfactant emulsifier, polyoxyethylene lauryl ether is proved to be an active agent for preparing nanoemulsions for food applications.4
Laureth-23 is polyoxyethers of lauryl alcohol.
Laureth-23 is a clear, colorless liquids.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Laureth-23 is used in the formulation of a variety of bath, eye, facial, hair, cleansing and sunscreen products.
Laureth-23 also used in cuticle softeners, deodorants and moisturizing products.
Laureth-23 both function as surfactants. Laureth-4 functions as a surfatant - emulsfying agent, while Laureth-23 functions as a surfactant - cleansing agent and a surfactant - solubilizing agent.
Laureth-23 is produced by reacting ethylene oxide with lauryl alcohol.
The numerical designation refers to the average number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the molecule.
As the numerical value of Laureths increases, the viscosity of the ingredient increases until they become white, waxy solids.
Laureth-23 is a high HLB emulsier used in oil-in-water emulsions. Laureth-23 nds use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as a surfactant, emulsier and solubilizer.
Laureth-23 is particularly useful in some formulations in light of its chemical inertness to hydrolytic decomposition.
Laureth-23 is produced through a process known as ethoxylation, a chemical reaction in which ethylene oxide is added to a substrate.
In this case, the substrate is lauryl alcohol.
Laureth-23 is obtained from lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon atom chain that can be found in palm kernel oil or coconut oil.
The number associated with the Laureth-23 indicates the average number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the molecule.
As the numerical value of laureth ingredients increases, the thickness or viscosity increases until they become white, waxy solids.
Laureth-4 and Laureth-23 are polyoxyethers of lauryl alcohol.
They are a clear, colorless liquids.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Laureth-4 and Laureth-23 are used in the formulation of a variety of bath, eye, facial, hair, cleansing and sunscreen products.
They are also used in cuticle softeners, deodorants and moisturizing products.
Laureth-23 is a high HLB emulsifier used in oil-in-water emulsions.
Laureth-23 finds use in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products as a surfactant, emulsifier and solubilizer.
Laureth-23 is particularly useful in some formulations in light of its chemical inertness to hydrolytic decomposition.
Laureth-23 is a nonionic surfactant prepared from lauryl alcohol and 23 moles of ethylene oxide.
Laureth-23 contains an average of 23 repeating ethylene oxide units.
Melting point: 41–45 °C (lit.)
Boiling point: 100 °C (lit.)
Density: 0.99 g/mL ± 0.002 g/mL at 20 °C
Vapor pressure: <1 mm Hg at 20 °C
Refractive index: n20/D 1.461
Flash point: >230 °F
Storage temp.: Store below +30 °C
Solubility: H₂O 40 mg/mL at 20 °C, clear, colorless
Form: Waxy pellets
pKa: 0 (at 20 °C)
Color: White
Odor: Odorless
pH range: 5.5–7.5
pH: 5.5–7.0 (100 g/L, H₂O, 20 °C)
Biological source: Synthetic
Water solubility: Soluble
Freezing point: 35.0–40.0 °C
Merck: 14,7558
Stability: Stable. Combustible
Laureth-23 is part of a broader family of ethoxylated fatty alcohols that are widely used in both consumer and industrial products due to their versatility in altering the surface properties of liquids.
It is derived from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol commonly sourced from natural oils such as coconut oil or palm kernel oil, which is then chemically reacted with a large number of ethylene oxide molecules to give it a long polyoxyethylene chain.
This long hydrophilic chain greatly enhances its solubility in water and makes it particularly effective in forming stable oil-in-water emulsions.
In cosmetic and personal care formulations, Laureth-23 is frequently found in creams, lotions, conditioners, and cleansers, where it helps blend oil-based and water-based ingredients into a uniform and stable mixture that maintains its consistency over time.
It can also act as a dispersing agent for fragrances or active ingredients, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the product.
In addition to its role in cosmetics, it is sometimes used in pharmaceutical topical preparations to improve texture and spreadability, as well as in certain food-contact applications when approved by regulatory agencies.
The method for producing a Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether, which comprises a sulfation step wherein an ethylene oxide addition product of an alkyl alcohol having 8-22 carbon atoms is reacted with an SO3-containing gas, thereby obtaining a sulfated product of the ethylene oxide addition product, and a neutralization step wherein the sulfated product is neutralized, thereby obtaining a sulfate.
The ethylene oxide addition product contains from 0.01% by mass to 1% by mass (inclusive) of an alkali metal hydroxide relative to the total mass of the ethylene oxide addition product.
Laureth-23 is polyoxyethers of lauryl alcohol that is used in cosmetics and personal care products.
Laureth-23 is derived from lauric acid through a process known as ethoxylation, whereby ethylene oxide is added to a substrate.
Laureth-23 is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon chain that is found in palm kernel oil or coconut oil.
The number associated with the laureth product (i.e. Laureth-4 or Laureth-23) indicates the average number of repeating ethylene oxide units in the molecule.
Laureth-23 is both clear, colorless liquids, but as the numerical value of laureth ingredients increases, the viscosity increases until they eventually become white, waxy solids.
Both Laureth-23 function as surfactants. Surfactants lower the surface tension between two substances, such as two liquids or liquid and solid.
A surfactant molecule contains one end that is hydrophilic (attracted to water) and one end that is lipophilic (attracted to oil), allowing it to attract and suspend dirt, oils, and other impurities.
Laureth-23 is used in many dierent cleansers and body washes, where it functions as a surfactant – cleansing agent and a surfactant – solubilizing agent.
Emulsication is another function performed by Laureth-23.
Emulsiers are required for formulations containing both water and oil components to prevent the two phases from separating if the product is left to settle. Emulsiers like Laureth-23 will help oil droplets remain dispersed, improving consistency and enabling an even distribution of topical skin care benets. Laureth-23 has an HLB value of 16.9. An HLB greater than 10 indicates that the substance is soluble in water, and high HLB emulsiers such as Laureth-23 give rise to oil-in-water emulsions.
As a surfactant, Laureth-23 works by lowering the surface tension between two substances, such as two liquids or a liquid and a solid.
A surfactant molecule contains one end that is hydrophilic or attracted to water and one end that is lipophilic or attracted to oil.
This allows surfactants to attract and suspends oils, dirt, and other impurities that have accumulated on the skin and wash them away.
Due to these properties, Laureth-23 can be found in many dierent cleansers and body washes.
Emulsiers are necessary when a formulation contains both water and oil components.
When water and oil-based ingredients are mixed together the two ingredients often separate or split.
To address this problem, an emulsier like Laureth-23 can be added which helps to produce a stable product.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel evaluated the scientic data and concluded that the laureth ingredients were safe as used in cosmetic products only when formulated to be non-irritating.
This is because the laureth ingredients have the potential to irritate the skin.
Laureth-23 is declared safe as used in concentrations up to 6 percent.
Despite the approval of Laureth-23 by the CIR Expert Panel, there are concerns about the presence of ethylene oxide in this ingredient.
This is because the process of ethoxylation may lead to contamination with 1,4-dioxane, a potentially dangerous by-product.
In fact, 1,4-dioxane is a known animal carcinogen that penetrates readily into the skin.
This ingredient has also been linked with skin allergies.
However, manufacturing and purifying processes and guidelines ensure the safety of ingredients that are produced via ethoxylation.
A white waxy solid that helps water and oil to mix nicely together (emulsier).
Laureth-23 is derived from the fatty alcohol lauryl alcohol by ethoxylating it and thus making the molecule a lot more water-soluble.
In fact, Laureth-23 is mostly water-soluble acting as a solubilizer for dissolving small amounts of oily things into water-based formulas.
A white waxy solid that helps water and oil to mix nicely together (emulsifier).
Laureth-23 is derived from the fatty alcohol lauryl alcohol by ethoxylating it and thus making the molecule a lot more water-soluble.
In fact, Laureth-23 is mostly water-soluble acting as a solubilizer for dissolving small amounts of oily things into water-based formulas.
Uses:
Laureth-23 is widely used in a variety of industries because of its strong emulsifying, solubilizing, and surfactant properties, which allow it to help oil and water-based substances blend into a stable and uniform mixture.
In cosmetics and personal care products, it is often incorporated into creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and facial cleansers, where it works to evenly disperse oils, fragrances, and active ingredients throughout the water phase, ensuring that the texture remains smooth and the product remains stable over time.
In pharmaceutical formulations, Laureth-23 can be used in topical ointments, gels, and creams to enhance the spreadability of the product, improve skin feel, and help active medicinal compounds mix uniformly within the base.
In household products such as liquid detergents or cleaning solutions, it serves to reduce surface tension, enabling water to spread more easily over surfaces and improving the removal of dirt or grease.
Additionally, in certain industrial applications, Laureth-23 is used as a dispersing agent, wetting agent, and solubilizer in systems where oils, waxes, or hydrophobic additives need to be stably incorporated into water-based solutions.
Its ability to maintain stability in a wide pH range and remain effective at different temperatures makes it especially valuable in formulations that require long-term consistency and performance.
Laureth-23 is a a pharmaceutical compound used in the schlerotherapy treatments, in those suffering from blood vessel malformations and mutations.
Laureth-23 is a medium range HLB, ethoxylated, nonionic ether of lauryl alcohol with broad range pH stability.
It is suggested for use as an emulsifier in cosmetics to add body and texture (humectant), in household products and in lubricants.
Laureth-23 also used as a nonionic surfactant that decreases the absorbance of the blank, inhibits turbidity as well as provides linearity.
Laureth-23 is used in the following products: cosmetics and personal care products and adhesives and sealants.
Release to the environment of this substance can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures.
Laureth-23 is used in the following products: pharmaceuticals, lubricants and greases and washing & cleaning products.
Laureth-23 is used in the following areas: formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
Laureth-23 is used for the manufacture of: plastic products and chemicals.
Release to the environment of Laureth-23 can occur from industrial use: of substances in closed systems with minimal release, as processing aid and as processing aid.
Laureth-23 is uses of Laureth-23: Solvent, nonionic emulsier, pharmaceutic aid (surfactant), spermaticide.
Uses of Laureth-23 : Ethosperse(R) LA-4 is a medium range HLB, ethoxylated, nonionic ether of lauryl alcohol with broad range pH stability.
Laureth-23 is suggested for use as an emulsier in cosmetics to add body and texture (humectant), in household products and in lubricants.
Laureth-23 has a broad spectrum of uses that extend well beyond cosmetics, largely because its high ethoxylation level gives it excellent water solubility and the ability to form very stable emulsions even in challenging formulations.
In skin care products, such as moisturizers, sunscreens, and serums, it helps to create a smooth, non-greasy texture while ensuring that oil-soluble actives (like certain vitamins, botanical extracts, or UV filters) are evenly distributed within the water phase.
This not only improves the stability of the product but also enhances the delivery of active ingredients to the skin.
In hair care formulations, including shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, and hair masks, Laureth-23 can help disperse conditioning agents, silicones, and natural oils evenly, preventing separation during storage and maintaining a uniform consistency.
Laureth-23 also contributes to a softer, silkier feel when the product is applied, enhancing consumer perception of product quality.
In the pharmaceutical field, it is used in topical creams, transdermal delivery systems, and medicated lotions, where it ensures that therapeutic agents remain evenly suspended or dissolved in the base, improving dosage consistency.
In industrial and household cleaning products, Laureth-23 functions as a high-efficiency emulsifier and wetting agent, allowing hydrophobic dirt, oils, and waxes to be broken down and removed more effectively during cleaning processes.
Laureth-23 is also used in textile processing, where it helps in wetting fibers uniformly before dyeing or finishing, ensuring even coloration and treatment penetration.
Additionally, in specialized manufacturing, Laureth-23 can be found in formulations for paints, coatings, and polishes, where its emulsifying and stabilizing abilities prevent phase separation of the ingredients over time, even under fluctuating storage conditions.
Safety Profile:
Laureth-23 is generally considered to have a low acute toxicity profile, but like many surfactants, it can cause irritation under certain conditions, particularly if it is used at high concentrations, applied to broken or sensitive skin, or if there is prolonged contact with the eyes.
In cosmetic and personal care products, it is usually used at levels low enough to minimize these risks, but in its raw, undiluted form, Laureth-23 can lead to mild to moderate skin irritation, dryness, or redness, especially in individuals with pre-existing skin sensitivities or conditions such as eczema.
Eye contact with concentrated Laureth-23 can result in temporary discomfort, redness, and watering, and while these effects are generally reversible, thorough rinsing is necessary to prevent prolonged irritation.
Inhalation hazards are minimal under normal use in liquid or cream products, but inhaling airborne mist or aerosolized forms—such as during manufacturing—could potentially irritate the respiratory tract.
From an environmental perspective, Laureth-23 is biodegradable under standard conditions, but large quantities entering waterways could still pose a hazard to aquatic organisms by disrupting cell membranes and affecting oxygen transfer in fish and invertebrates.
Regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) have determined that Laureth-23 is safe for use in cosmetics when formulated appropriately, but they also emphasize the need for controlling impurities that may be introduced during the ethoxylation process, such as 1,4-dioxane, which is a potential carcinogen if present above trace levels.
