LAURETH-12
Is LAURETH-12 safe for seborrheic dermatitis?
Laureth-12 is context-dependent for seborrheic dermatitis. It helps oils disperse, supports emulsions and can contribute to cleansing, but it is not a treatment.
The lauryl chain is chemically bound in an ethoxylated fatty alcohol, so free-lauric-acid evidence should not be applied automatically. No exact human seb derm or ingredient-specific Malassezia study was found. Surfactant strength, impurities control, rinse-off time and the rest of the formula are more useful for judging tolerance.
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What is it?
A quick identity check, separate from the seb derm guidance above.
01 / 05- Material type
- Polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol
- Ingredient family
- Nonionic ether surfactant
- Cosmetic function
- Surfactant - Cleansing, Surfactant - Emulsifying
What is LAURETH-12 used for in skincare?
Laureth-12 is lauryl alcohol joined to about 12 ethylene-oxide units. It functions as a nonionic emulsifier, solubiliser and surfactant that helps oil and water phases cooperate. It is often combined with other surfactants, fatty alcohols, oils and fragrance in cleansers, shampoos, creams and hair products.