Laureth-7 (Liquid | Surfactants)

Laureth-7 has an HLB value of approximately 12.1. This places it in the moderate-to-high hydrophilic range, making it suitable as an O/W co-emulsifier, an oil and fragrance solubiliser in aqueous systems, and a wetting agent. It is more water-soluble than Laureth-4 but less so than Laureth-23.

Laureth-7 can solubilise small quantities of essential oils, fragrance oils, and silicones in aqueous formulations at a typical ratio of 4:1 to 8:1 (Laureth-7 to oil). It is commonly used in toners, facial mists, micellar waters, and hair rinses to incorporate oil-soluble actives or fragrance into clear aqueous products without using alcohol.

Yes. Laureth-7 is well suited for micellar water formulations. It forms micelles that encapsulate oil-based impurities, makeup, and sebum, allowing them to be rinsed away with water. Its mild, non-irritating character makes it appropriate for products used on the face and eye area.

Both are high-HLB non-ionic solubilisers. Polysorbate 20 is sorbitan-based and generally considered slightly more efficient per gram for pure fragrance solubilisation. Laureth-7 is fatty alcohol ethoxylate-based, providing a slightly more emollient skin feel and better compatibility with silicones. The choice depends on formulation requirements and regulatory preferences.

Laureth-7 has a good safety profile and low irritation potential, and is used in some eye-area products (e.g., micellar waters). However, formulations intended specifically for ophthalmic or eye-drop use require ophthalmologist-assessed safety testing. For general face and eye-area cleansing products, it is considered safe at typical cosmetic use concentrations.

Yes. Laureth-7 is readily dispersible and soluble in water at room temperature, forming clear to slightly hazy solutions. It is more water-soluble than Laureth-4 or Laureth-2 and can be directly dissolved in the aqueous phase of formulations.

Laureth-7 is non-ionic and fully compatible with anionic surfactants (SLES, SLS), cationic surfactants (quaternary ammonium compounds), amphoteric surfactants (betaines), and other non-ionic surfactants. It does not form insoluble complexes or precipitates with these systems, making it highly versatile for multi-surfactant formulations.

Industrial applications include: wetting agent and spreading agent in agricultural spray formulations, emulsifier in textile finishing and dyeing auxiliaries, dispersant in water-based coatings and inkjet systems, co-emulsifier in metalworking fluids, and wetting agent in leather processing.

The Pharcos L range (Laureth-2, L3, L4, L5, L7, L23) differ in the number of ethylene oxide (EO) units. As EO number increases, HLB increases, water solubility increases, and lipophilicity decreases. Laureth-7 sits in the mid-range — offering more water solubility and solubilisation power than L2/L4, but less than L23. Choose grade based on your application's required HLB and water/oil balance.

Pharcos L7 is available in 25 kg HDPE drums and bulk container quantities. Samples for formulation trials are available on request. Pharcos Speciality provides CoA, SDS, and technical documentation with every order. Contact the sales team for pricing and lead time.