Laureth-7 is a polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol used in cosmetics as a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, and solubilizer to stabilize formulations and disperse oils. It functions as a formulation aid rather than a therapeutic active.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mild skin irritation | Uncommon | Possible with higher concentrations or on sensitive/compromised skin. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Sensitization to ethoxylated surfactants is infrequently reported. |
| Eye irritation | Uncommon | Can occur on direct ocular contact with surfactant-containing products. |
| Concern over residual 1,4-dioxane impurity | Rare | A potential ethoxylation byproduct; controlled via manufacturing purification. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.