PEG-12 Laurate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 9004-81-3, 2-Hydroxyethyl laurate, 2-hydroxyethyl dodecanoate, 4219-48-1, Ethylene glycol monolaurate, Dodecanoic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxododecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (12 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C14H28O3
Mol. Weight
244.37
CAS #
9004-81-3
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Functions
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Emulsifier
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester created in the mid-20th century by reacting polyethylene glycol with lauric acid. Designed to function as a mild surfactant and emulsifier in shampoos and personal care products.
EWG
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR