Laureth-100
AKA “Polyoxyethylene 100 lauryl ether, Lauryl PEG-100
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Laureth-100
AKA: Polyoxyethylene 100 lauryl ether, Lauryl PEG-100
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Solvent
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Laureth-100 is a cosmetic ingredient used as solvent, surfactant - cleansing. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
Effective at 10.0%
CAS #
9002-92-0
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Dissolves Ingredients
Cleansing Surfactant
Lifts away dirt and oil
Dissolves other ingredients
Traditional Use
Highly ethoxylated non-ionic surfactant with approximately 100 ethylene oxide units, developed in the latter 20th century. Used as an extremely mild cleanser and emulsifier in sensitive skin formulations and pharmaceuticals.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0004%
20.0%
0%28%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 7-15 | 0.005-9 | 0.0004-20 | 6-8 | 0.001-4
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR