Laureth-40
AKA “Polyethylene glycol lauryl ether, PEG-40 lauryl ether
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Laureth-40
AKA: Polyethylene glycol lauryl ether, PEG-40 lauryl ether
Synthetic · Cleansing | Surfactant - Cleansing · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Not Clean
A gentle cleanser that helps remove dirt and oil while keeping your skin feeling soft and clean.
CAS #
9002-92-0
Form
Liquid
Plant-Derived
Synthetic. Derived from lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol typically sourced from coconut or palm oils. Synthesized through ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is added to create a polyethylene glycol ether surfactant.
Function
Cleansing | Surfactant - Cleansing
Benefits
Cleansing
Surfactant Cleansing
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Provides scent
Traditional Use
Laureth compounds were developed in the mid-20th century as synthetic non-ionic surfactants derived from lauryl alcohol (a fatty alcohol from coconut or palm oil). They were created to replace natural soaps and provide gentle cleansing properties while maintaining stability in formulations.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Not a Sensitizer
Concentration Guide
Industry reports use up to 20.0% across all product types. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 581).
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR