Laureth-9
AKA “Polidocanol, Nonaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, Asclera, Aethoxy-sklerol, nonaethylene glycol monolauryl ether, VARITHENA, PEG-9 lauryl ether, Macrogol 9 lauryl ether”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Laureth-9
AKA: Polidocanol, Nonaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, Asclera, Aethoxy-sklerol, Nonaethylene glycol monolauryl ether, VARITHENA, PEG-9 lauryl ether, Macrogol 9 lauryl ether
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
Helps blend oil and water-based ingredients together, creating smooth, lightweight formulas that absorb easily into skin without feeling greasy.
Effective at 10.0%
Solubility miscible
Formula
C30H62O10
Mol. Weight
582.80
CAS #
3055-99-0, 9002-92-0, 68439-50-9
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Laureth compounds were developed in the mid-20th century as synthetic non-ionic surfactants derived from lauryl alcohol (a fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil). They were created to replace natural soaps and provide gentle cleansing properties while maintaining stability in formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0004%
20.0%
0.0%
0%28%
Effective Range
Reg. Limit
CIR reported use: 7-15 | 0.005-9 | 0.0004-20 | 6-8 | 0.001-4
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR