Is Laureth-2 safe in cosmetics?
Laureth-2 has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Moderate
Cosmetic Ingredient
Laureth-2
Also known as: Ethanol, 2-[2-(dodecyloxy)ethoxy]-, 2-[2-(Dodecyloxy)ethoxy]ethan-1-ol, C12EO2, Diethylene glycol monoether with Conol 20P, LA 2 (alcohol) (+12 more)
INCI: LAURETH-2
Laureth-2 (CAS 3055-93-4) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Surfactant, emulsifier, penetration enhancer (HLB ≈ 6.1). EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 3055-93-4 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Laureth-2 is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H318, H400) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Surfactant, emulsifier, penetration enhancer (HLB ≈ 6.1)
Safety Rating
MODERATE
Chemistry & Identifiers
IUPAC Name
2-(2-dodecoxyethoxy)ethanol
InChIKey
AZLWQVJVINEILY-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Permitted — not restricted under 21 CFR; reviewed by CIR
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Laureth-2.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Additional Ingredient Properties
1 property record from structured ingredient metadata.
emulsifier
{"cas_number": "9002-92-0", "ingredient_class": "O/W_emulsifier", "chemical_type": "ethoxylated_fatty_alcohol", "HLB_value": "9.0", "HLB_required_for_oil_phase": "7-11", "emulsion_type_primary": "O/W", "droplet_size_typical_um": "1-3", "surface_tension_reduction_mN_m": "24", "interfacial_tension_reduction": "28", "foam_formation": "high", "foam_stability": "high", "liquid_crystal_formation": "high…
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Cleaning agent
Emulsifier
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Laureth-2.
Known Synonyms
Ethanol, 2-[2-(dodecyloxy)ethoxy]-
2-[2-(Dodecyloxy)ethoxy]ethan-1-ol
C12EO2
Diethylene glycol monoether with Conol 20P
LA 2 (alcohol)
Nikkol BL 2SY
Simulsol P 2
2-[2-(dodeciloxi)etoxi]etanol
EINECS 221-279-7
Bis(oxyethylene) dodecyl ether
Diethylene glycol dodecyl ether
Diethylene glycol monododecyl ether
Diethyleneglycol monolauryl ether
Diethyleneglycol lauryl ether
Dodecyl diethylene glycol
Lauryl alcohol mono(oxyethylene) ethanol
UNII-D4D38LT1L5
Chemical Function
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Emulsifier
Cleaning agent
Regulatory Lists
detected; Europe; Toys and children's products
Canada; Personal care; Substances in PCP - Canada (4/2014)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laureth-2 allowed in the EU?
Laureth-2 EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Laureth-2 do in cosmetics?
Laureth-2 functions as: Surfactant, emulsifier, penetration enhancer (HLB ≈ 6.1). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 3055-93-4.
Is Laureth-2 used outside cosmetics?
Laureth-2 also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Laureth-2 have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Laureth-2 is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H318, H400) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Compliance Tools
Check Laureth-2 compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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