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Laureth-6

Moderate concern

Laureth ethoxylates are cosmetic-grade surfactants. Concerns include residual 1,4-dioxane (a likely carcinogen) and ethylene oxide as manufacturing impurities; these are tightly limited in cosmetic specifications.

Found in

6 products

What it is

Polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol with average 6 ethylene oxide units; a non-ionic surfactant.

Cosmetic surfactant and emulsifier. Not approved as a direct food additive.

Why it's flagged

potential 1,4-dioxane impurity (IARC 2B)
not approved direct food additive

What regulators actually say

"1,4-Dioxane is a contaminant present in extremely small amounts in some cosmetics ... it can be removed from cosmetic ingredients before they are blended into formulations."

FDA — 1,4-Dioxane in Cosmetics — fda.gov

Regulatory status

United States — FDA

Not listed as direct food additive; cosmetic ingredient.

European Union — EFSA

Not authorized as direct food additive.

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