murphyPEG-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
Not Clean
OriginDerived from lauric acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), both synthetic or plant-derived materials. Synthesized through esterification, combining lauric acid with PEG-4 under catalytic conditions to form the ester.
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
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Locks In Moisture
Wound Healing
Antioxidant Protection
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & 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
3
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR