murphyPEG-20 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
Not Clean
OriginDerived from lauric acid (a fatty acid) and polyethylene glycol, both petroleum or plant-derived chemicals. Synthesized through esterification of lauric acid with polyethylene glycol under catalytic conditions.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-(1-oxododecyl)-.omega.-hydroxy- (20 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C14H28O3
Mol. Weight
244.37
CAS #
9004-81-3
Form
Liquid
State
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR