MEA-Laureth Sulfate
AKA “Monoethanolamine Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Mea-laureth sulfate
AKA: Monoethanolamine Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 5
Synthetic
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Ethanol, 2-amino-, compd. with .alpha.-sulfo-.omega.-(dodecyloxy)poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) (1:1)
Effective at 9.0%
CAS #
68184-04-3
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic surfactant derived from lauric acid. Created to provide gentle cleansing properties while being more biodegradable than earlier sulfate-based cleansers.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
5
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.0002%
18.0%
0%25%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.0002-18
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR