What is Laureth-2 and where does it sit on the ethoxylate ladder?
Laureth-2 is a nonionic surfactant: lauryl (C12) alcohol ethoxylated with an average of 2 moles of ethylene oxide (CAS 3055-93-4, C16H34O3, MW 274.44). With only 2 EO units it is a low-HLB, oil-soluble grade used as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier; higher-numbered Laureths (7 to 23) carry more EO and are progressively more water-soluble. RawSource supplies it in bulk to specification.
LAURETH-2- ▸ Co-emulsifier: emulsion stabilizer in personal-care formulations
- ▸ Emollient: skin-feel and spreading agent
- ▸ Solubilizer: oil-soluble nonionic surfactant for surfactant blends
| Grade | Avg. EO units | CAS No. | Mol. formula | Mol. wt (g/mol) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laureth-2 you are here | 2 | 3055-93-4 | C16H34O3 | 274.44 |
| Laureth-3 | 3 | 68551-12-2 | — | — |
| Laureth-4 | 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-2 (CAS 3055-93-4) is a lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol ethoxylate with an average of two ethylene oxide units, an oil-soluble nonionic surfactant. It is used as a co-emulsifier, emollient, and solubilizer in personal-care and cleaning formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laureth-2 a sulfate?
No. Laureth-2 is a nonionic lauryl alcohol ethoxylate, not a sulfate. Sulfated versions such as sodium laureth sulfate add a sulfate group; Laureth-2 itself carries no charge and acts as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer.
What is Laureth-2 derived from?
Laureth-2 is made by ethoxylating lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol with an average of two ethylene oxide units. The lauryl alcohol feedstock is typically sourced from coconut or palm-kernel oils, or produced synthetically.
Is Laureth-3 a sulfate?
No. Laureth-3, like Laureth-2, is a nonionic ethoxylate of lauryl alcohol and contains no sulfate group. The number indicates the average ethylene oxide content, three versus two units.
Is Laureth-2 water soluble or oil soluble?
With only two ethylene oxide units, Laureth-2 is oil-soluble and is used as a co-emulsifier and solubilizer in surfactant blends, whereas higher-EO grades such as Laureth-23 are water-soluble.
What is the CAS number for Laureth-2 and how is it sold?
Laureth-2 has CAS number 3055-93-4 and molecular formula C16H34O3, classifying under HS 3402.42. RawSource supplies it in drums, totes, and IBCs with a CoA and SDS; request an RFQ for bulk pricing.