C12-16 Laureth-7 is the name used in the INCI system that identifies substances that are ingredients in cosmetic formulations. It is a non-ionic surfactant derived from a common family of compounds called ethoxylated fatty alcohols. Chemically, C12-16 Laureth-7 is a derivative of lauryl alcohol, ethoxylated with seven moles of ethylene oxide. Its structure is derived from lauryl alcohol with a carbon content of C12-C16. The raw material from which C12-16 Laureth-7 is obtained is a component of palm kernel oil. The global CAS number of the compound is 68551-12-2.
At a temperature of approx. 50°C and under atmospheric pressure, C12-16 Laureth-7 is a clear or cloudy liquid, the colour of which has been defined as max. 70 in the Hazen scale, which is equivalent to a slightly yellowish colour. The solidification point of the substance is approx. 10°C, so even at room temperature, the substance shows a strong turbidity or a consistency resembling soft wax. C12-16 Laureth-7 is highly soluble in water, which is also confirmed by its hydrophile-lipophile balance of 13. This parameter determines to what extent a substance is hydrophilic or lipophilic, and in practice it suggests the number of groups having relevant properties present in a particular structure. A value of 13 represents the predominance of the hydrophilic moiety as well as the tendency of C12-16 Laureth-7 to form oil-in-water emulsions. Its strong emulsifying properties cause the immiscible water and oil phases to combine into a permanent emulsion, ensuring stabilization at the phase boundary. Like other chemical compounds from the group of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, C12-16 Laureth-7 is a foaming agent that stabilizes the foam and, in combination with other anionic surfactants, improves its quality. The substance has exceptionally good detergency, wetting, dispersing and emulsifying properties. The activity of C12-16 Laureth-7 does not decline regardless the presence of oxidizing and reducing agents and in the presence of water with a high degree of hardness. Factors such as cold water or divergent pH, from acidic to diluted bases, also do not affect the quality of the product in the composition. Due to its non-ionic structure, this surfactant can constitute one of many active agents, in combination with surfactants of a different structure – anionic and cationic. The synergistic washing and cleaning effect is extremely high in a mixture with alkyl sulphates and alkylarylsulphonates. C12-16 Laureth-7 is a biodegradable substance, compliant with the Regulation (EC) No. 648/2004 on detergents.
C12-16 Laureth-7, being an oil-in-water emulsifier, is able to create a delicate and light emulsion, supporting faster and more effective absorption into the inner skin layers. Formulations based on this type of emulsions are widely used in creams and lotions for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Therefore, it is willingly used in cosmetics with specific applications – shaving and after shave preparations, and also in sunscreens. In skin and hair cleansers, it can act as a rheological modifier, increasing the viscosity of the product, which in turn results in an improvement in its consistency. This is possible in formulations containing electrolytes, e.g. sodium chloride or anionic surfactants. Under these conditions, so-called mixed micelles are formed, which define the rheological properties. Due to its high wettability, C12-16 Laureth-7 is an excellent ingredient of all cleaning agents. It causes the contact between the cleaning agent and the dirty surface to be definitely facilitated. C12-16 Laureth-7 is therefore used in cleaning agents for skin and hair. Due to its excellent detergency properties, it is often an important component in the formulation of liquid and powder detergents, including dishwashing liquids or technical cleaning agents. C12-16 Laureth-7 has the ability to produce microemulsions with mineral oils, therefore it is also useful in the knitting and weaving industry, as it can remove dirt from the initial processes of fibre processing. Its excellent wettability also supports the capillarity of dyes and bleaching compositions, making it a useful ingredient during bleaching cotton and knitted fabrics. When dyeing textiles, it removes excess dyes from the bath.
