Ingredients

Laureth-23

A plain guide to Laureth-23 as a formula emulsifier, including ethoxylation and the facts about trace 1,4-dioxane.

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Quick facts

INCI name
Laureth-23
Origin
Synthetic
Chemical class
Ethoxylated fatty alcohol (nonionic surfactant)
What it does in a formula
emulsifying, surfactant, solubilizing
Why it is in the formula
It helps combine oily ingredients with water so a lotion or cream stays uniform.

What it is

The number in Laureth-23 indicates an average of 23 ethylene oxide units attached to a lauryl fatty-alcohol chain, defining it as an ethoxylated nonionic surfactant and emulsifier. It is not an active percentage indicator. Cosmetic chemists include this water-soluble surfactant in lotions and cleansers to bridge disparate oil and water ingredients into unified, stable emulsions.

The name can sound technical, but its usual job is practical: it helps oil and water form a stable lotion or cream. Like other ethoxylated ingredients, its manufacture can create 1,4-dioxane as an unintended trace byproduct. 1,4-dioxane is not deliberately added as an ingredient. The FDA explains that manufacturing changes have reduced levels over time and that it monitors cosmetics.

What it does

  • Helps emulsify. It supports a stable blend of oil-based and water-based parts.
  • Solubilizes ingredients. It can help incorporate materials that do not dissolve readily in water.
  • Maintains a uniform texture. It helps prevent a product from separating into layers.

Who it suits

Laureth-23 is a supporting ingredient; it is not an active you need to seek out or avoid by default. Its ethoxylated status does not mean that a cosmetic contains a meaningful amount of 1,4-dioxane. The byproduct is unintended and can be reduced through processing. The FDA’s published information describes the contaminant and notes declining levels after manufacturing changes.

Do not confuse Laureth-23 with a drying alcohol. It is derived from a fatty alcohol and used as an emulsifier. The way a product feels depends on its full composition, including the surfactant blend, oils, humectants and how long it stays on your skin. If it causes discomfort, stop using the product and consider the entire formula.

What to pair it with, and what not to

There is no active that needs to accompany Laureth-23. It is included in the formula to keep ingredients mixed. Choose the product for its intended use and texture rather than adding a separate emulsifier to your routine.

Skin Realist check: A well-made emulsion is a small everyday convenience, and I appreciate those.

Quick picks with Laureth-23

Picked from label facts only. We haven't tested these products.

All 6 products with Laureth-23

Anti-Aging & Retinoid Serums (3)

Eye Creams & Under-Eye Patches (2)

Daily Moisturizers & Water Gel Creams (1)

Common questions

What does Laureth-23 do?

It is a nonionic surfactant and emulsifier that helps oily and water-based ingredients stay blended. This makes it useful in lotions and creams.

Does Laureth-23 create 1,4-dioxane?

1,4-dioxane can be a trace byproduct of manufacturing some ethoxylated ingredients, but it is not an intended ingredient in Laureth-23. Processing and quality controls can reduce residual traces.

Is 1,4-dioxane added to skincare?

It is not used as an ingredient in cosmetics, though trace contamination may occur during manufacturing of certain ingredients. The FDA monitors cosmetics and notes that manufacturing changes have reduced levels over time.

Is Laureth-23 drying?

It is mainly used to emulsify or solubilize ingredients, not as a volatile drying alcohol. Whether a product feels drying depends on the finished formula and how you use it.

Sources