Laureth-7 is lauryl alcohol ethoxylated with 7 moles of ethylene oxide. Other common names are: polyoxyethylene lauryl ether and heptaethylene glycol monododecyl ether. This raw material is primarily a strong detergent that has excellent washing, emulsifying, dispersing and wetting, as well as dissolving functions. It’s CAS number is: 68439-50-9. This is an individual number assigned to that specific substance.
To put it simply, it is a non-ionic surfactant that is soluble in water. It maintains its form very well at a low pH. When describing substances using standard chemical industry vocabulary, it should be noted that it is mainly a synthetic polymer. Interestingly, it is a derivative of lauryl alcohol from fatty acids of plant origin and polyethylene oxide. The structure of this polymer is responsible for its favourable properties due to which it can be used in many related industries.
This compound is most frequently used in the cosmetic industry. All this thanks to its properties, such as intense foaming and easy rinsing along with perfect decontamination. Additionally, it has advantages in another aspect of using such products, i.e. the lowest skin irritation rates among surfactants and the ability to combine it with various surfactants, providing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. The above mentioned properties result from its linear structure. In other words, it is an ingredient used to create emulsions and to lower the viscosity. At the same time, it improves the quality of foam and cleansing properties of the cosmetic, acting as a moisturising substance in the formula. All these features make the producers willing to use this ingredient in the preparations manufactured for the cosmetic market. These include, among others, products for washing, caring and styling of hair and also preparations for washing and caring for the face or body. Among we can find a wide range of gels, scrubs, shampoos, conditioners and foams. In terms of the category of cosmetic products, between those for personal care, we can also distinguish numerous shaving and aftershave preparations including Laureth-7 in their composition. The described chemical compound is of no less importance in the production of the so-called colour cosmetics. These include: foundations, eye shadows, bronzers and skin toners. The last division among cosmetics, which often contain Laureth-7, are moisturising cosmetics, mainly creams. These are specialized care creams, i.e. anti-acne and anti-wrinkle creams, as well as sunscreens.
In addition to the application in the cosmetic industry, Laureth-7 is used in other industries. They include the domain of so-called “household chemicals”. The polymer is used in liquid detergents, dish washing liquids, heavy soiling cleaners, hard surface cleaning products. In addition, the textile industry uses a derivative of lauryl alcohol for bleaching and washing baths, due to the Laureth-7’s effect of oil stain removal.
The ingredients of cosmetic products are defined using the so-called EEC scale. The available scientific materials from various sources make it possible to estimate their safety. The higher the rating, the greater the risk of using the particular ingredient. Laureth-7 is in the range between 1 and 3, that is, it is considered as a neutral component. However, it is strongly comedogenic. Thus, it can aggravate acne problems, cause blackheads and pimples, and cause skin inflammation. Do not use cosmetics containing Laureth-7 in high amounts on damaged skin. It can aggravate existing skin problems.
