murphyLaureth-4
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 12-Tetraoxatetracosan-1-ol, Tetraethylene glycol monododecyl ether, Tetra(oxydiethanol) monodecyl ether, Tetraethylene glycol monolauryl ether, Lauryl alcohol tri(oxyethylene) ethanol
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
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 in a catalytic reaction.
3,6,9,12-tetraoxatetracosan-1-ol; Dodecan-1-ol, ethoxylated; Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated
CAS #
5274-68-0, 9002-92-0, 68439-50-9
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antistatic
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
Antioxidant
Anti-Inflammatory
Moisturizing
Lifts away dirt and oil
Reduces flyaways
Provides scent
Mixes oil and water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 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
Not Phototoxic
Human test and Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 210 and 581)
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing / plus 1 case report (CIR 210 and 581)
Eye Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions minimal to moderate (CIR 210 and 581)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
7 studies / 3 irritating / 4 not irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 210 and 581)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.002–21%
Rinse-off0.0002–12%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2010 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR