Laureth-23 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer. It helps blend oil and water phases and disperse poorly soluble ingredients rather than providing a direct therapeutic action.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible with high concentrations or on compromised skin barrier. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Reported on direct ocular contact with surfactant-containing products. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to laureth-type ethers is infrequently documented. |
| Concern over 1,4-dioxane trace contamination | Rare | A byproduct of ethoxylation; controlled by purification, not a direct effect of the ingredient itself. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.