What it is
Laureth-23 is the polyethylene glycol ether of lauryl alcohol bearing an average of roughly 23 ethylene oxide units, giving it strongly water-loving, nonionic character. Its high degree of ethoxylation makes it effective as an emulsifier and solubilizer, helping to stabilize oil-in-water systems and disperse poorly soluble materials. In sunscreens it supports the emulsion structure and texture rather than contributing to UV protection.
Safety & warnings
Ethoxylated laureth-type surfactants are widely used and generally well tolerated at usage levels in rinse-off and leave-on products. Higher-ethoxylate members like Laureth-23 are typically mild emulsifiers; manufacturing controls are used to limit ethoxylation by-products.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; produced by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol, which itself may be sourced from plant oils or petrochemicals.
Questions everyone asks
What does the 23 mean?
It indicates the average number of ethylene oxide units attached, which makes this grade very water-soluble.
What is its job in sunscreen?
It acts as a nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer to help stabilize the formula, not as a UV filter.