PEG-9 Laurate

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- (9 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 emulsifier combining polyethylene glycol with lauric acid (from coconut oil), which has been used in skincare for centuries in tropical cultures. The PEG modification allows for more effective emulsification in contemporary cosmetic products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR