Laureth-20

INCI: LAURETH-20

CAS Number
9004-98-2 (generic POE lauryl ether)
Function
Surfactant, solubilizer, emulsifier (HLB ≈ 16.5)
Safety Rating
GOOD

Regulatory Status

🇪🇺 EU Status permitted
🇺🇸 US Status permitted
US Notes Permitted — not restricted under 21 CFR; CIR-reviewed

For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.

Safety Data

Margin of Safety (MoS)
adequate
Dermal Absorption
negligible
Sensitization
low

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Expert Verdict

Mild ocular irritation potential; 1,4-dioxane control required; well-tolerated in leave-on and rinse-off products; one of the most data-supported members of the family

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Concern Level: Low

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Laureth-20 safe in cosmetics?

Mild ocular irritation potential; 1,4-dioxane control required; well-tolerated in leave-on and rinse-off products; one of the most data-supported members of the family The EU classifies Laureth-20 as "permitted". Safety rating: GOOD.

Is Laureth-20 allowed in the EU?

Laureth-20 EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does Laureth-20 do in cosmetics?

Laureth-20 functions as: Surfactant, solubilizer, emulsifier (HLB ≈ 16.5). It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9004-98-2 (generic POE lauryl ether).

What is the Margin of Safety for Laureth-20?

adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.

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