Laureth-40

Laureth-40 molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Polyethylene glycol lauryl ether, PEG-40 lauryl ether
Synthetic
Cleanser
Not Clean
OriginDerived from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol typically sourced from coconut or palm oils. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to create a polyethylene glycol ether surfactant.
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Provides scent
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2012
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR