Laureth-7
Also known as PEG-7 lauryl ether, Polyethylene glycol (7) lauryl ether, POE(7) lauryl alcohol
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Laureth-7 is a nonionic O/W emulsifier and surfactant produced by ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol (C12 fatty alcohol) with approximately 7 ethylene oxide units. The CIR Expert Panel assessed the full Laureth series in IJT 31(S2):169-244, 2012 and found Laureth-7 safe qualified (SQ): safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. Developmental and reproductive toxicity studies and mutagenicity data were negative for the Laureth class. The principal safety concern for all ethoxylated ingredients is trace 1,4-dioxane contamination from the ethoxylation manufacturing process; a 2005 peer-reviewed review of PEGs and their derivatives (Fruijtier-Polloth, PMID 16011869) covers this concern for the ethoxylated class, and a 2010 amended CIR safety assessment of sodium laureth sulfate and related ethoxylated alcohol salts (Robinson et al., PMID 20634505) found these non-allergenic though with irritation potential, recommending non-irritating formulation.
Nonionic O/W emulsifier, solubilizer, and cleansing agent; used to stabilize emulsions and solubilize fragrances and oils in aqueous cosmetic systems
7 EO units confer moderate hydrophilicity, making Laureth-7 useful in both rinse-off and leave-on formulations
Non-ionic character provides broad compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric co-ingredients
CIR Expert Panel assessed the full Laureth series as safe qualified (SQ) for cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating
- · CIR qualified approval (SQ): must be formulated to be non-irritating; irritancy potential noted for the Laureth class, particularly at higher use concentrations.
- · Sodium laureth sulfate and related ethoxylated lauryl alcohol derivatives show irritation potential to skin and eyes in testing (Robinson et al. 2010, PMID 20634505).
1,4-Dioxane is an unavoidable trace byproduct of the ethoxylation process used to manufacture Laureth-7; it is not listed on the label. Industry standard and SCCS guidance recommend finished product levels below 10 ppm, achievable by vacuum stripping during manufacturing (Fruijtier-Polloth 2005, PMID 16011869).
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Laureth-7 row: Finding=SQ, Citation=IJT 31(S2):169-244, 2012
“Laureth-7 | SQ | safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non- irritating | IJT 31(S2):169-244 (2012)”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 69