Laureth-4
Nonionic Surfactant · Emulsifier · Solubilizer
CAS 68439-50-9 · EINECS 500-213-3 · Nonionic · HLB ~9.6 · Cosmetic Grade
Laureth-4 is a nonionic surfactant produced from lauryl alcohol and ethylene oxide. With an HLB of approximately 9.6, it is suitable for oil-in-water emulsification while also functioning as a solubilizer for fragrances and oil-soluble actives in water-based systems. It also performs mild cleansing and is compatible with most anionic and cationic ingredients.
A colorless to pale yellow transparent liquid. Water soluble. Suitable for skin care, hair care, body wash, and cosmetic formulations including creams, lotions, serums, shampoos, conditioners, and color cosmetics.
| INCI Name | CAS | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Laureth-4 | 68439-50-9 | Nonionic surfactant · Emulsifier · Solubilizer · Dispersant |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Transparent liquid (batch result: Clear liquid) |
| HLB Value | ~9.6 |
| Chroma (APHA) | ≤50 (batch result: 17) |
| Hydroxyl Value (mg KOH/g) | 148–158 (batch result: 152) |
| pH (1% aqueous) | 6–8 (batch result: 7.5) |
| Solubility | Water soluble |
| Storage | 15–40°C · Keep sealed · Protect from direct light |
| Shelf life | 24 months |
| Certificate of Analysis | Download COA → |
| Spec Sheet | Download Spec Sheet → |
| Category | Performance & Applications |
|---|---|
| Fragrances | Solubilizes fragrances at recommended levels of 1–3% |
| Oil-soluble actives | Supports solubilization of oil-soluble actives at 1–3% |
| Anionic ingredients | Compatible with most anionic ingredients |
| Cationic ingredients | Compatible with most cationic ingredients |
| Skin care | Suitable for lotions, creams, and serums |
| Hair care | Suitable for shampoos and conditioners |
| Body wash | Supports cleansing and foam enhancement in body wash applications |
| Color cosmetics | Suitable for foundations and eye shadow creams where pigment dispersion is desired |
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Fragrance & oil-soluble active solubilization | 1–3% |
| General recommended use level | 0.5–15% |
- Water soluble — readily suited to water-based formulation systems
- At 1–3%, solubilizes fragrances and oil-soluble actives
- HLB of ~9.6 — suitable for oil-in-water emulsification
- Raw material pH specification (1% aqueous): 6–8 — verify compatibility within your specific formulation system
- Compatible with most anionic and cationic ingredients — always test your finished formulation system
- Store at 15–40°C in a sealed container away from direct light
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Laureth-4 (INCI: Laureth-4, CAS 68439-50-9) is a nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, solubilizer, and dispersant with an HLB of approximately 9.6. It is suitable for oil-in-water emulsification and solubilization of fragrances and oil-soluble actives at 1–3%. It also performs mild cleansing and is compatible with most anionic and cationic ingredients.
- Oil-in-water emulsification — HLB ~9.6
- Solubilizes fragrances and oil-soluble actives at 1–3%
- Mild cleansing in skin care, hair care, and body wash formulations
- Suitable for lotions, creams, serums, shampoos, conditioners, and body washes
- Compatible with most anionic and cationic ingredients
- Water soluble · 24-month shelf life · storage 15–40°C
- Raw material pH specification (1% aqueous): 6–8
| What is Laureth-4 used for?A nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, solubilizer, and dispersant. Suitable for oil-in-water emulsification and solubilization of fragrances and oil-soluble actives at 1–3%. Also performs mild cleansing and is compatible with most anionic and cationic ingredients. |
| What is the HLB value?Approximately 9.6 — suitable for oil-in-water emulsification applications. |
| What is the recommended use level?General recommended use: 0.5–15%. For fragrance and oil-soluble active solubilization: 1–3%. |
| What is the pH specification?Raw material pH specification (1% aqueous): 6–8. |
| Is Laureth-4 compatible with anionic surfactants?Compatible with most anionic and cationic ingredients. Always test your finished formulation system. |
Note: Water soluble — readily suited to water-based formulation systems. At 1–3%, solubilizes fragrances and oil-soluble actives. Compatible with most anionic and cationic ingredients. Raw material pH specification (1% aqueous): 6–8 — verify compatibility within your specific formulation system. Store at 15–40°C in a sealed container away from direct light.
