Laureth-1
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 2-(DODECYLOXY)ETHANOL, 4536-30-5, Ethylene glycol monododecyl ether, 2-dodecoxyethanol, Lauryl ethoxylate, Ethanol, Lauryl monoethoxylate, Ethylene glycol monolauryl ether, Lauryl alcohol oxy ethanol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the alkyl PEG ethers, listed below, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating. This assessment is also intended to address future alkyl PEG ether cosmetic ingredients that vary from those ingredients recited herein only by the number of ethylene glycol repeat units...Laureth-1...
Effective at 10.0%
Formula
C14H30O2
Mol. Weight
230.39
CAS #
4536-30-5
Form
Liquid
State
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 non-ionic surfactant created mid-20th century by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol. Part of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) family developed to create gentler, more water-soluble cleansers than early harsh soaps.
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-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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