Laureth-7 | Laureth-7
Category
Surface-active agents
Laureth-7, also known as polyethylene glycol laureth ethyl ether, is a popular ingredient in cosmetics, known for its excellent emulsifying properties. It is often used in shampoos, body lotions, and facial creams because it helps create a pleasant, creamy texture, making it easier to evenly distribute the product on the skin or hair. Laureth-7 is a synthetic substance derived from coconut oil, giving it a gentle effect and making it suitable even for sensitive skin. This ingredient acts as a solvent, emulsifier, and stabilizer, helping to bind water and oils, ensuring that the product is effective and appealing to the consumer. In addition, Laureth-7 can help the skin stay hydrated, giving it a feeling of softness and smoothness. Its use in cosmetics not only improves the quality of the product but also provides a pleasant user experience.
Purpose and Benefits
Laureth-7 stands out as an ingredient that not only serves a functional purpose but also contributes to the aesthetics and effectiveness of cosmetic products. Its ability to create a homogeneous texture ensures that products not only perform their primary function but also create a pleasant and comfortable experience for the user. Its emulsifying properties allow it to combine substances of different natures, such as water and oils, thus forming a stable and long-lasting formula. This stability is particularly important for modern cosmetics, which often include complex combinations of ingredients. Its gentle and non-irritating effect makes Laureth-7 suitable even for the most sensitive skin. In addition, it allows manufacturers to create products that not only perform surface cleansing but also help maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance. This helps to avoid the feeling of dryness or tightness that often occurs with low-quality cosmetics. Due to its solvent properties, this ingredient helps to effectively disperse active substances, ensuring that every drop of the product is maximally effective. In terms of its effect on hair, Laureth-7 helps to smooth and soften the hair surface, giving it smoothness and shine. It also ensures that shampoos or conditioners are easily rinsed out, while leaving the hair clean and nourished. Thus, Laureth-7 contributes to hair care products not only meeting but often exceeding consumer expectations.
Security Information
The safety profile of Laureth-7 is favorable, but as with any cosmetic ingredient, some sensitivities may occur. Most users tolerate this substance well, but in rare cases, allergic reactions such as skin irritation or itching may occur. It is important to note that people with sensitive skin should perform a patch test before using products containing Laureth-7. This ingredient is approved in many countries, and its use in cosmetics is often regulated by relevant authorities, such as the European Union Cosmetics Regulation. Although Laureth-7 is considered safe, it is recommended to use it in moderation and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure optimal effect and minimize the risk of potential adverse reactions.
Sustainability and Extraction
The production of Laureth-7 is associated with certain sustainability and ethical concerns. While this substance is derived from coconut oil, which can be a plant-based and renewable resource, it is not always clear whether this oil is sourced from sustainably managed plantations. Furthermore, the massive expansion of coconut plantations can lead to environmental problems such as biodiversity loss and soil erosion. From a social perspective, worker condition issues often arise in these industries, making it important to ensure that the coconut oil supply is ethical and meets labor standards. Every step, from extraction to production, should be carefully monitored to minimize negative impacts on the environment and people.
Products
This ingredient is often found in various cosmetic products, such as moisturizing body lotions, shampoos, and facial creams. For example, popular Korean skincare products like Innisfree’s moisturizing cream or COSRX’s brightening serum may use Laureth-7 as an emulsifier. It is also found in various makeup products, such as liquid foundations and BB creams, where it helps create a smooth, easily applicable texture. In addition, this ingredient can also be found in body washes and hair conditioners, giving them the desired softness and hydration.