Laureth-7

Harm score: 4 (Slightly harmful chemistry)

Laureth-7 is a chemical ingredient found in many cosmetic and cleaning products. It is a thickening and emulsifying agent that helps the ingredients in a mixture remain homogeneous. Although some sources suggest that Laureth-7 may be potentially problematic in the event of direct eye contact or prolonged inhalation, it is considered safe for normal use in most cases.

Laureth-7 can be found in a wide range of products, from shampoos, conditioners, to skin creams and other types of skin care. It is also often present in color cosmetic products, including lipsticks and eye shadows. It is used in toothpastes and mouthwashes because of its ability to stabilize the mixture and help maintain an even distribution of the other ingredients. In cleaning products such as dish or laundry detergents, laureth-7 helps to slow the separation of oils and water, allowing for better cleaning.

While the name laureth-7 is widely used, the same compound is also known by the names Crowberry, Black crowberry, Empetrum medium, or Siberian shea. It is important to note that these names do not reflect any natural botanical constituents. They are just other names for the chemical substance laureth-7. In the context of cosmetics and cleaning products, it is always an artificial ingredient that has no direct connection with the Siberian shikha plant, which is a representative of the genus Empetrum.