Isolaureth-3
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Tergitol TMN-3, TERGITOL TMN-3 SURFACTANT, Tergitol TMN-6, Tergitol TMN-10, PEG-3 ISOLAURYL ETHER
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Alcohols, C12-branched, ethoxylated (3 mol EO average molar ratio)
Effective at 10.0%
Formula
C18H38O4
Mol. Weight
318.50
CAS #
9002-92-0; 68439-50-9; 5274-68-0; 9004-95-9; 9005-00-9; 4536-30-5; 3055-93-4; 3055-94-5; 3055-95-6
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic polyethoxylated ester derived from lauric acid with limited ethoxylation. Developed as a mild emulsifier and surfactant for contemporary cosmetic products.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0004%
20.0%
0%28%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 7-15 | 0.005-9 | 0.0004-20 | 6-8 | 0.001-4
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR