murphyMEA-Laureth-6 Carboxylate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Monoethanolamine Laureth-6 Carboxylate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide, combined with monoethanolamine as the neutralizing agent. Synthesized through ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol followed by carboxymethylation and neutralization with MEA.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-carboxymethyl-.omega.-dodecyloxy-, 2-aminoethanol salts (5 mol EO average molar ratio)
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.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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
Restricted By
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2015
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR