Laureth-9

Laureth-9 is a synthetic emulsifier derived from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol typically sourced from coconut or palm oil. It belongs to the polyethylene glycol (PEG) family of ingredients and functions as a surfactant—meaning it allows oils and water-based ingredients to mix together smoothly, preventing separation in a formula.In skincare products, Laureth-9 helps create stable, homogeneous textures and improves the way a product spreads and absorbs into the skin. It appears in roughly 0.2% of skincare formulations, typically in creams, lotions and cleansers where blending different ing…

Laureth-9 works through its molecular structure, which has both water-loving (hydrophilic) and oil-loving (lipophilic) regions. This dual nature allows it to sit at the boundary between oil and water phases, stabilising them and preventing them from separating.From a sensory perspective, this creates formulations with a more elegant, uniform texture that feels pleasant on the skin and spreads evenly without greasiness or pilling.

Laureth-9 is a background ingredient—you won't need to adjust how you use a product because it contains it. Simply follow the usage instructions for the specific product it appears in. There is no benefit to using higher concentrations or adjusting frequency, as the emulsifier's job is done during formulation.

Laureth-9 is generally well-tolerated and has an established safety record in cosmetics. It is suitable for most skin types, though those with very sensitive skin prone to surfactant sensitivity may occasionally experience mild irritation, though this would be rare at the concentrations typically used in skincare.