Ingredient dictionary

Laureth-4

Also listed as: PEG-4 Lauryl Ether

Laureth-4 is a gentle nonionic surfactant made from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. Its main job is to cleanse and help oil and water mix. It is on the label of 26 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Laureth-4 does

Lifts oil and dirt from skin and hair
Helps create a light, even foam
Helps blend oil-based and water-based ingredients

Laureth-4 is made by adding ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol usually made from plant oils such as coconut or palm kernel oil. The 4 means four ethylene oxide units attach to each molecule on average. This gives it an oil-loving tail and a water-loving head, which is what makes it a surfactant.

Formulators use Laureth-4 to clean, foam and keep oily and watery parts of a formula mixed. It rinses off easily and tends to leave hair or skin feeling clean rather than stripped. Its foam is soft and creamy, and it is often paired with other surfactants.

Good for

Suits rinse-off products like shampoos, body washes and cleansers, where gentle cleansing and easy rinsing are wanted.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Laureth-4 gentle on skin?

Laureth-4 is widely used in rinse-off products and is generally well tolerated. Like most cleansers, it can feel drying if used very often or left on too long. If skin feels tight after washing, try a gentler formula.

Is Laureth-4 the same as sodium laureth sulfate?

No. Sodium laureth sulfate is a different ingredient with a sulfate group, and it is usually stronger at cleansing. Laureth-4 is nonionic, meaning it carries no electrical charge, so it tends to be milder and less foamy on its own.