Laureth-5

CAS: 3055-95-6

Overview

Laureth-5 (CAS 3055-95-6 ), also marketed as Polyoxyethylene (5) Lauryl Ether and Pentaoxyethylene Monododecyl Ether, is a nonionic ethoxylated fatty alcohol surfactant used across personal care and industrial processing.

It functions as an emulsifier, solubilizer, and cleaning agent in formulations where controlled hydrophilic-lipophilic balance is required. In personal care, it is used to emulsify and stabilize oil-in-water systems.

This material is found in creams, lotions, and cleansing products, enabling uniform texture and consistent delivery of active ingredients. Textile processors apply it as a scouring and wetting agent to remove oils.

It effectively removes waxes and sizing agents from fiber substrates ahead of dyeing or finishing. In leather processing, it supports degreasing baths where effective fat liquor removal is needed without damaging hide structure.

Paper manufacturers use it as a dispersant and process aid in pulp treatment and coating formulations. This versatile surfactant is supplied as a liquid or paste depending on the ambient storage temperature.

It is available in industrial and cosmetic-grade specifications. Cosmetic-grade material is commonly evaluated against established purity standards relevant to personal care procurement and manufacturing needs.

Bulk supply is standard in drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) for industrial volumes. The product maintains stability under standard storage conditions and is compatible with various anionic and cationic systems.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	22.4-22.6 °C
Boiling Point	185-187 °C @ Press: 0.07 Torr
Density	0.963 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point	23 °C
Appearance	solid
Color	White or Colorless to Light yellow
Form	powder to lump to clear liquid
Refractive Index	1.446～1.452(35℃/D)
Log P	3.620 (est)

Safety & Handling

Danger GHS05 GHS07 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed H315 Causes skin irritation H318 Causes serious eye damage H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	2909.49.6000
Storage Class	10 - Combustible liquids
WGK (Germany)	2

Other Names

Industries

Textile, Leather & Paper Personal Care & Cosmetics