Laureth-3

Laureth-3 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Triethylene glycol monododecyl ether, 3055-94-5, Lauryltriglycol ether, Ethanol, Lauryl alcohol triglycol ether, Dodecyl triethylene glycol ether, 2-(2-(2-(Dodecyloxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethanol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm kernel oil fatty alcohols, typically lauryl alcohol. Produced through ethoxylation, adding three ethylene oxide units to the fatty alcohol backbone.
Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated; 2-[2-[2-(dodecyloxy)ethoxy]ethoxy]ethanol
Formula
C18H38O4
Mol. Weight
318.50
CAS #
3055-94-5, 68439-50-9
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.
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
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
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Dermal Absorption 15.5%
hairless mice / in vivo (dermal metabolism study) / 0.25% solution in ethanol / 4 hours (CIR 581)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.02–0.8%
Rinse-off0.0004–20%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2012
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR