What is Laureth-7 and how does it compare across the Laureth ladder?
Laureth-7 is a nonionic lauryl alcohol ethoxylate averaging 7 moles of ethylene oxide (CAS 9002-92-0). It sits in the middle of the ladder between the oil-soluble low-EO grades (Laureth-2 to 4) and the water-soluble high-EO grades (Laureth-12, 23), giving it an intermediate HLB. Bulk quantities are sourced to specification.
LAURETH-9- ▸ Emulsifier: Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions.
- ▸ Emulsion stabilizer: Maintains emulsion structure.
- ▸ Surfactant: Wetting and surface activity in liquid systems.
| 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 you are here | 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-7 (CAS 9002-92-0) is a nonionic surfactant, the polyethylene glycol (7 EO) ether of lauryl alcohol. It is used as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer and surfactant in personal-care and household formulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Laureth-7 used for?
Laureth-7 is a nonionic surfactant, the polyethylene glycol (7 EO) ether of lauryl alcohol. It is used as an emulsifier, emulsion stabilizer, and wetting agent in personal-care and household formulations.
Is Laureth-7 a surfactant?
Yes. Laureth-7 is a nonionic surface-active agent that stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions and provides wetting and surface activity in liquid systems. The 7 denotes the average number of ethylene oxide units.
What is the chemical name for Laureth-7?
Laureth-7 is the INCI name for the 7-mole ethylene oxide ether of lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol, also described as PEG-7 lauryl ether. It carries CAS number 9002-92-0.
Is Laureth-7 water soluble?
With an average of seven ethylene oxide units, Laureth-7 is water-dispersible to water-soluble, sitting between the oil-soluble low-EO grades and the highly hydrophilic Laureth-23, which suits its emulsifier and stabilizer role.
How is bulk Laureth-7 supplied?
Laureth-7 classifies under HS 3402.42 and is supplied by RawSource in drums, totes, and IBCs with a CoA and SDS on every order. Request an RFQ with your spec and volume for a current bulk quote.