What is Laureth-3 and how does it compare to other Laureth grades?
Laureth-3 is a nonionic lauryl alcohol ethoxylate with an average of 3 moles of ethylene oxide (CAS 3055-94-5). As a low-EO grade it is oil-soluble with a low HLB, typical of emulsifier and co-emulsifier use; solubility and HLB rise as the EO number increases up to Laureth-23. Bulk quantities are sourced to specification.
Laureth-3- ▸ Emulsifier: emulsifier and co-emulsifier for emulsions
- ▸ Wetting agent: wetting and dispersing agent in liquid systems
- ▸ Surfactant: nonionic surface-active agent 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 you are here | 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.
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-3 (CAS 3055-94-5) is a lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol ethoxylate with an average of three ethylene oxide units, a nonionic surfactant. It is used as an emulsifier, wetting agent, and dispersant in cleaning and personal-care formulations.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU): Not determined from public registry
- EC number: 500-221-7
TSCA Inventory flag XU: a substance exempt from reporting under the Chemical Data Reporting Rule (40 CFR 711) (EPA flag legend).
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laureth-3?
Laureth-3 (CAS 3055-94-5) is a nonionic lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol ethoxylate with an average of three ethylene oxide units. It is used as an emulsifier, wetting agent, and dispersant in cleaning and personal-care formulations.
What is Laureth-3 used for?
Laureth-3 functions as an emulsifier and co-emulsifier, a wetting and dispersing agent in liquid systems, and a nonionic component in surfactant blends. Its low EO content makes it a lower-HLB partner for higher-EO grades.
Is Laureth-3 a sulfate?
No. Laureth-3 is a nonionic ethoxylate and contains no sulfate group. The number reflects the average ethylene oxide content, not a sulfate substitution as in sodium laureth sulfate.
What is Laureth-3 derived from?
Laureth-3 is produced by ethoxylating lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol with three ethylene oxide units. The lauryl alcohol is typically sourced from coconut or palm-kernel oils, or made synthetically.
How is bulk Laureth-3 supplied?
Laureth-3 classifies under HS 3402.42 and is supplied by RawSource in drums, totes, and IBCs with a CoA and SDS on each shipment. Submit an RFQ with your spec and volume for a current bulk quote.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Laureth-3?
Laureth-3 (CAS 68551-12-2) is listed as Active on the U.S. EPA TSCA Inventory; its REACH registration status is not determined from the public ECHA registry.