Laureth-4

Laureth-4 suppliers and sourcing guide

Laureth-4 is a nonionic surfactant made by reacting lauryl alcohol with an average of four moles of ethylene oxide. It is a low-to-mid HLB liquid used as an emulsifier, a co-surfactant in cleansers and a solubilizer or wetting agent in skin and hair products. Brands buy it as a clear to slightly hazy liquid.

See suppliers What to ask for on the COA

Category: Cosmetic bases, emollients and surfactants
Also known as: PEG-4 lauryl ether · Polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether · 3,6,9,12-Tetraoxatetracosan-1-ol · CAS 5274-68-0
Facts checked: November 2026

Forms and grades of Laureth-4

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

Liquid surfactant
Pure laureth-4, a clear to hazy liquid at room temperature.
Narrow-range ethoxylates
Grades with a tighter distribution of ethylene oxide chain lengths, offered by some producers.
Vegetable-source grades
Made from coconut or palm kernel derived lauryl alcohol.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Identity: Infrared spectrum and hydroxyl value, which confirm the ethoxylate and average chain length.
Cloud point: Cloud point in a defined solvent, a quick check on ethoxylation level.
1,4-Dioxane and ethylene oxide: Residual 1,4-dioxane and free ethylene oxide by headspace GC-MS.
Water and pH: Water by Karl Fischer and pH of a dilute solution.
Color: APHA or Gardner color, which rises as the material oxidizes.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store laureth-4 in closed containers at room temperature away from strong oxidizers and direct sunlight; ethoxylates can form peroxides slowly in air. Minimize headspace in partly used drums. Shelf life and retest dates are set by the supplier's specification.

Lots and expiry dates

Record hydroxyl value, color and 1,4-dioxane for each lot, and rotate stock first-in, first-out. Check color and odor on older lots before use in clear products.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists laureth-4 (proper names include PEG-4 lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether, CAS 5274-68-0) as an approved ingredient with the non-medicinal purpose of surfactant.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Laureth-4 suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking Laureth-4 suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of Laureth-4 can brands buy?

Common forms include liquid surfactant, narrow-range ethoxylates and vegetable-source grades. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for Laureth-4 include?

Expect identity, cloud point, 1,4-Dioxane and ethylene oxide, water and pH and color, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should Laureth-4 be stored?

What is the regulatory status of Laureth-4?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists laureth-4 (proper names include PEG-4 lauryl ether and polyoxyethylene (4) lauryl ether, CAS 5274-68-0) as an approved ingredient with the non-medicinal purpose of surfactant.

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