Laureth-4
A cosmetic ingredient used as antistatic, fragrance, surfactant - cleansing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
3,6,9,12-tetraoxatetracosan-1-ol; Dodecan-1-ol, ethoxylated; Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated
What does it do?
Laureth-4 is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Antistatic
reduces static electricity, mostly in hair products to keep strands smooth and manageable
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Fragrance
provides scent or masks the natural odour of other ingredients
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
EU regulatory status
Laureth-4 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Laureth-4?
Laureth-4 is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. 3,6,9,12-tetraoxatetracosan-1-ol; Dodecan-1-ol, ethoxylated; Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated
Is Laureth-4 allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Laureth-4 is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Laureth-4 do in cosmetic products?
Laureth-4 is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: antistatic, fragrance, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Laureth-4?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Laureth-4 is 5274-68-0 / 9002-92-0 / 68439-50-9.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010