What is Laureth-23 and where does it sit on the ethoxylate ladder?
Laureth-23 is a nonionic lauryl alcohol ethoxylate averaging 23 moles of ethylene oxide (CAS 9002-92-0), the most ethoxylated grade in the RawSource Laureth ladder. Its high EO content gives it a high HLB and strong water-solubility, typical of solubilizer and O/W emulsifier roles, unlike the oil-soluble low-EO Laureths. RawSource supplies it in bulk to specification.
LAURETH-9- ▸ Emulsifier: oil-in-water emulsifier for creams, lotions, and cleaners
- ▸ Solubilizer: solubilizing agent for oils and fragrances in water
- ▸ Detergent: nonionic detergent and cleansing surfactant
| 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 | 4 | 5274-68-0 | C20H42O5 | 362.5 |
| Laureth-7 | 7 | 9002-92-0 | — | — |
| Laureth-12 | 12 | 3056-00-6 | C36H74O13 | 715.0 |
| Laureth-23 you are here | 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.
Alcohol ethoxylates — how they work · HLB system: how to choose an emulsifier · Browse all products
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-23 (CAS 9002-92-0) is a lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol ethoxylate with an average of twenty-three ethylene oxide units, a highly water-soluble nonionic surfactant. It is used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and detergent in personal-care and cleaning formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laureth-23 derived from?
Laureth-23 is made by ethoxylating lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol with an average of twenty-three ethylene oxide units. The lauryl alcohol feedstock is typically from coconut or palm-kernel oils, or synthetic.
What is Laureth-23 used for?
Laureth-23 is a highly water-soluble nonionic surfactant used as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and detergent. It emulsifies oils into creams, lotions, and cleaners and solubilizes fragrances and oils in aqueous systems.
Is Laureth-23 a sulfate?
No. Laureth-23 is a nonionic lauryl alcohol ethoxylate with no sulfate group. Its high ethylene oxide content makes it strongly hydrophilic, unlike the anionic sodium laureth sulfate.
Is Laureth-23 water soluble?
Yes. With about twenty-three ethylene oxide units, Laureth-23 is among the most water-soluble of the laureth grades, which is why it works well as an oil-in-water emulsifier and solubilizer.
What is the CAS number for Laureth-23 and how is it sold?
Laureth-23 carries CAS number 9002-92-0 and classifies under HS 3402.42 as a non-ionic surface-active agent. RawSource supplies it in drums, totes, and IBCs with a CoA and SDS; request an RFQ for bulk pricing.