murphyLaureth-23
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyoxyethylene 23 lauryl ether, Lauryl PEG-23
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol typically sourced from coconut or palm oil. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to lauryl alcohol to create the polyethylene glycol ether chain.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-dodecyl-.omega.-hydroxy-
CAS #
9002-92-0
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
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.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
6 studies / 6 not sensitizing (CIR 210 and 581)
Not Phototoxic
Human test and Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 210 and 581)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
7 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 5 not irritating / reactions slight (CIR 210 and 581)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions slight (CIR 210)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.003–3%
Rinse-off0.0002–8%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR