What Is Polyoxyethylene monolaurate?
2-Hydroxyethyl laurate is a clear liquid that is used in cosmetics as a surfactant and emulsifier. This means it helps mix together different ingredients and improves the texture of cosmetic products. It may also be known by the name 2-hydroxyethyl dodecanoate.
What is the purpose of Polyoxyethylene monolaurate in personal care products?
It is used for its surfactant cleansing
and surfactant emulsifying characteristics.
Polyoxyethylene monolaurate helps clean body surfaces and helps mix liquids that don't usually mix.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Polyoxyethylene monolaurate, Polyethylene glycol dodecanoate, Polyethylene glycol monolauryl ester, Poly(oxyethylene) lauric acid este, "Lauric acid, monoester with polyethylene glycol", Polyethylene glycol 1000 monolaurate, 2-Hydroxyethyl laurate, and "Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), α-(1-oxododecyl)-ω-hydroxy-".
What Are Surfactant Cleansing Ingredients?
Polyoxyethylene monolaurate has surfactant cleansing characteristics.
Surfactant cleansing ingredients are commonly found in various cosmetics, particularly those designed for cleansing, such as shampoo, body wash, and facial cleansers. These ingredients serve several purposes, including wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or dissolving oils, and suspending dirt and grime, making them easier to remove. Surfactants generally contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products, making them more effective in removing impurities from the skin or hair.
What Are Surfactant Emulsifying Ingredients?
Polyoxyethylene monolaurate has surfactant emulsifying characteristics.
Surfactant emulsifying ingredients helps mix two liquids that do not usually mix well by reducing the surface tension of the ingredients. The emulsification process involves suspending or dispersing one liquid in a second liquid, such as oil in water or vice versa. However, these two liquids have different properties that cause them to repel each other and not mix. This is where surfactants come in, as they can reduce the liquids' surface tension and allow them to mix.
Surfactants have two ends: a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. When added to two liquids that do not mix well, the hydrophilic head attaches to the water-based liquid, while the hydrophobic tail attaches to the oil-based liquid. This creates a stable mixture of the two liquids and allows for a smooth and even distribution of ingredients in the cosmetic product.
Safety
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.