PEG-4 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- (4 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C14H28O3
Mol. Weight
244.37
CAS #
9004-81-3
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Protection
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
Synthetic PEG ester derived from lauric acid (coconut oil component), developed mid-20th century. Designed as a mild, non-ionic surfactant for gentle cleansing 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
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR