What is Laureth-4 and where does it sit on the ethoxylate ladder?
Laureth-4 is a nonionic surfactant: lauryl (C12) alcohol ethoxylated with an average of 4 moles of ethylene oxide (CAS 5274-68-0, C20H42O5, MW 362.5). At 4 EO units it is still a low-HLB, oil-soluble grade used as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier; the higher Laureth grades (7, 12, 23) are more hydrophilic and water-soluble. RawSource supplies it in bulk to specification.
LAURETH-9- ▸ Emulsifier: emulsifier and co-emulsifier for emulsions
- ▸ Emollient: skin-feel and spreading agent
- ▸ Solubilizer: nonionic solubilizer for surfactant blends
| Grade | Avg. EO units | CAS No. | Mol. formula | Mol. wt (g/mol) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laureth-2 | 2 | 3055-93-4 | C16H34O3 | 274.44 |
| Laureth-3 | 3 | 68551-12-2 | — | — |
| Laureth-4 you are here | 4 | 5274-68-0 | C20H42O5 | 362.5 |
| Laureth-7 | 7 | 9002-92-0 | — | — |
| Laureth-12 | 12 | 3056-00-6 | C36H74O13 | 715.0 |
| Laureth-23 | 23 | 9002-92-0 | — | — |
How to choose: All grades are nonionic surfactants built on the same C12 (lauryl) alcohol, differing only in the average moles of ethylene oxide (EO). More EO raises the hydrophilic fraction, so HLB and water-solubility increase with the grade number: low-EO grades (2–4) are oil-soluble emulsifiers and co-emulsifiers; high-EO grades (12–23) are water-soluble solubilizers and O/W emulsifiers.
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A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.
Request SDS →Laureth-4 (CAS 68439-50-9) is a lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol ethoxylate with an average of four ethylene oxide units, a nonionic surfactant. It is used as an emulsifier, emollient, and solubilizer in cleaning and personal-care formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laureth-4 used for?
Laureth-4 (CAS 68439-50-9) is a nonionic lauryl alcohol ethoxylate with an average of four ethylene oxide units, used as an emulsifier, emollient, and solubilizer in cleaning and personal-care formulations.
What is Laureth-4 derived from?
Laureth-4 is made by ethoxylating lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol with four ethylene oxide units. The lauryl alcohol feedstock is typically derived from coconut or palm-kernel oils, or produced synthetically.
Is Laureth-4 a sulfate?
No. Laureth-4 is a nonionic ethoxylate with no sulfate group. It differs from sodium laureth sulfate, which is an anionic sulfated surfactant built on the same lauryl ethoxylate backbone.
Is Laureth-4 water soluble?
With only four ethylene oxide units, Laureth-4 has relatively low water solubility and behaves as a lower-HLB, oil-compatible surfactant, making it useful as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer in blends with higher-EO grades.
How do I order bulk Laureth-4?
Laureth-4 classifies under HS 3402.42 and is supplied by RawSource in drum, tote, and IBC quantities with a CoA and SDS. Submit an RFQ with your volume and packaging needs for a current bulk quote.