Laureth-4 is a synthetic polymer used in a number of different cosmetic and skin care products using to improve the texture and feel of formulations. It is primarily used as a surfactant and emulsifier. It can be found in products such as bath, cleansing, hair and sunscreen products. It is also used in cuticle softeners, deodorants and moisturising products.
Laureth-4 is a defoamer, and it is non-toxic, odorless, non-irritating, and has a hard water and acid and alkali resistance, and a excellent compatibility. Also its antifoaming performance is quite good .
Laureth-4 can be used as an antistatic agent and emulsifier in cosmetics, but it has a high possibility of causing skin irritation and acne.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Developmental toxicity, multigenerational and fertility data and mutagenicity data for Laureth-4 were negative. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Laureth-4 can only be used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating can be safely used in cosmetics. This is due to the fact that the ingredients in laureth-4 may irritate the skin.
KOH（1g） and dodecanol (24.8 g ) were heated to 85° C in the reactor, then vacuumed and filled with nitrogen for 2 to 3 times. The mixtrue was heated to 120 ℃～130℃, and added with ethylene oxide (EO), propylene oxide (PO) or their mixture. After the reaction is completed, the solution was neutralized with H2SO4(98%) and filtered to give Laureth-4.
