CAS#: 68891-38-3
CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers are unique identifiers assigned to every chemical substance, ensuring accurate identification across the industry.
What is it?
Laureth-7 is a nonionic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol (typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil) through a process called ethoxylation. The "7" in its name refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units added to the lauryl alcohol molecule. This ethoxylation process creates a surfactant that is water-soluble, highly effective at removing oils and dirt, and gentle on fabrics.
What does it do?
Laureth-7 functions as a powerful nonionic surfactant by dramatically lowering the surface tension of water. This allows water to penetrate deep into fabric fibers, surrounding and lifting dirt, oils, sweat, and stains. It is particularly effective at removing the complex mixture of body oils, deodorant residues, and protein-based soils that accumulate in athletic wear and performance fabrics. Laureth-7 also helps solubilize and rinse away these soils completely, preventing redeposition on fabrics during the wash cycle.
How is it made?
Laureth-7 is produced by treating lauryl alcohol (a fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil) with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions. This ethoxylation process adds approximately seven ethylene oxide molecules to each lauryl alcohol molecule, creating a surfactant with optimized cleaning properties and water solubility. The degree of ethoxylation is carefully controlled to balance cleaning effectiveness with fabric safety and environmental profile.
Ingredient Safety Profile
Laureth-7 is recognized as a safe ingredient by leading environmental and health organizations:
- EPA Safer Choice Approved Ingredient: Laureth-7 meets EPA's criteria for safer chemical ingredients
- Recognized by EWG: Laureth-7 is acknowledged by the Environmental Working Group's safer ingredient standards
- Nonionic Surfactant: Generally gentler than ionic surfactants, making it suitable for sensitive skin
- Biodegradable: Breaks down in the environment through natural processes
- Effective at Low Concentrations: Requires minimal amounts for powerful cleaning action
- Optimized for Performance Fabrics: Specifically selected for its ability to remove athletic wear soils without damaging technical fibers
Important Note: While Laureth-7 itself is recognized as a safe ingredient by EPA Safer Choice and EWG standards, Heritage Park Activewear Laundry Detergent is not yet EPA Safer Choice Certified or EWG VERIFIED as a complete product formulation.
What product is this ingredient in?
* Not yet EPA Safer Choice Certified or EWG VERIFIED