LAURETH-12
LAURETH-12 is a non-ionic surfactant made from a portion linked to lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide units. The number 12 identifies this grade within the laureth family, so it is not simply another name for every lauryl-alcohol derivative.
LAURETH-12: what it is
LAURETH-12 is a non-ionic surfactant made from a portion linked to lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide units. The number 12 identifies this grade within the laureth family, so it is not simply another name for every lauryl-alcohol derivative.
Its structure brings together one end with a greater affinity for oily substances and another that interacts with water. That combination lets LAURETH-12 work at the boundary between phases that normally do not mix, such as water and oil.
LAURETH-12: what it does in cosmetics
In cosmetics, LAURETH-12 helps water and oily components form a more even mixture. In practical terms, this supports a consistent emulsion texture and helps ingredients with different affinities remain dispersed instead of separating readily during use.
In cleansing products, it helps water come into contact with oil and residues so they can be removed on rinsing. That role concerns the behaviour of the formula; seeing LAURETH-12 on a label does not, on its own, mean that a product treats skin or hair.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
