Laureth - 23 (Solid / Paste | Solubilizers)

In the United States Pharmacopeia (USP/NF), Laureth-23 is listed as Polyoxyl 23 Lauryl Ether. It is approved as a pharmaceutical excipient for use in topical, oral, and other non-parenteral formulations and is listed in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database.

Laureth-23's high HLB (~16.9) and full water solubility make it ideal for pharmaceutical aqueous systems. Its high ethoxylation provides excellent electrolyte tolerance, broad pH compatibility, and low irritation potential compared to lower-ethoxylate grades. It forms stable, clear or translucent emulsions and is compatible with a wider range of APIs and excipients.

Low concentrations of Laureth-23 are used in some ophthalmic preparations as a wetting and solubilising agent. However, for ophthalmic use, full toxicology assessment and grade verification are required. Pharcos recommends consulting with your regulatory team and requesting a pharmaceutical-grade CoA and SDS before use in ophthalmic applications.

In cosmetic O/W emulsions, Laureth-23 is typically used at 1–3% w/w as the primary emulsifier, or at 0.5–1.5% as an auxiliary emulsifier alongside a co-emulsifier. For solubilising fragrance oils or essential oils in clear aqueous systems, 3–8% Laureth-23 relative to the oil content is typically required.

Yes. Laureth-23, being non-ionic, is exceptionally tolerant of electrolytes (salts, calcium ions) and is stable across a wide pH range (pH 4–10). This makes it superior to anionic emulsifiers in formulations containing salts, preservatives, or highly alkaline/acidic APIs.

Both are high-HLB, water-soluble non-ionic surfactants used as solubilisers. Polysorbate 20/80 (sorbitan-based) are generally preferred in food and injectable pharmaceutical applications due to their established food and parenteral approvals. Laureth-23 (fatty alcohol ethoxylate-based) is preferred in topical cosmetics, external pharma, and industrial formulations due to its excellent emollient compatibility and lower foaming tendency.

The cloud point is the temperature at which an aqueous solution of a non-ionic surfactant turns cloudy due to reduced solubility. Laureth-23 has a high cloud point (>90°C), meaning it remains clear and soluble in hot-process emulsification conditions. This is an important processing consideration — lower cloud point grades can prematurely phase-separate during high-temperature manufacturing.

Laureth-23 is readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions, meeting OECD 301B biodegradation criteria. It is classified as environmentally acceptable for cosmetic and industrial use in most jurisdictions, and is REACH-compliant in the European Union.

Pharcos L23 (Laureth-23) is a white to off-white waxy solid or paste at room temperature, with a melting point of approximately 36–42°C. It is added to formulations as part of the oil or emulsifier phase during hot-process manufacturing.

Pharcos Speciality offers Laureth-23 in cosmetic and pharmaceutical (USP/NF) grades. Full documentation including CoA, SDS, USP compliance statement, non-GMO declaration, BSE/TSE-free certificate, and allergen-free declaration is provided with each batch. Custom regulatory documentation for export markets is available on request.