Ingredient dictionary

Laureth-7

Laureth-7 is a mild nonionic emulsifier, made from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide, that helps oil and water blend into one smooth formula. It is on the label of 25 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-7 does

Helps oil and water blend into one emulsion
Keeps creamy textures evenly mixed over time
Helps products spread smoothly on skin

Laureth-7 starts with lauryl alcohol, a fat-derived building block often made from coconut or palm kernel oil. It is reacted with ethylene oxide, which adds a chain of small repeating units. That chain makes the molecule water-friendly, while the lauryl tail stays oil-friendly.

Formulators use it because it is a nonionic surfactant, a type of molecule that carries no electrical charge and mixes easily with many other ingredients. It helps keep oil and water from separating, which gives lotions and creams a smooth, even feel. It is generally considered mild and works across many formulas, so it shows up often in everyday products. In use, it usually feels light on the skin.

Good for

Suits everyday moisturizers, body lotions, acne treatments and sunscreens, where a smooth, stable texture matters most.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Laureth-7 safe for skin?

Laureth-7 is generally well tolerated in leave-on and rinse-off products at the levels used in cosmetics. Like most surfactants, it can feel drying or irritating to very sensitive or damaged skin, so patch testing new products is a good habit.

What is Laureth-7 used for?

It is used to keep oil and water mixed in creams and lotions. You will often see it in moisturizers, body lotions, acne treatments and sunscreens. It also helps these products spread evenly and feel smooth when applied.