Database/Cleansing/MEA-Laureth Sulfate
Mostly natural · ISO 16128

Is MEA-Laureth Sulfate natural?

Mostly. Lauryl and sulfate groups are oleochemical; the ethoxylate chain and ethanolamine counter-ion are petrochemical. Exact EO count is unstated and assumed.

INCI nameMEA-Laureth Sulfate
CAS68184-04-3
FunctionCleansing · Cleansing Surfactant
FeedstockCoconut/palm-kernel lauryl alcohol is ethoxylated (EO count unspecified,…

How we scored it

EO count not stated; assumed n~3 (typical grade, no water lost in ethoxylation/sulfation). Lauryl+SO3 266 Da natural + [EO 132 Da + MEA 61 Da] petrochemical -> 266/460 = 0.58.
What counts. ISO 16128-2 scores the atoms that remain in the final ingredient. Reagents, solvents, catalysts and protecting groups used during manufacture leave no mass behind and are not counted.

Where it comes from

Coconut/palm-kernel lauryl alcohol is ethoxylated (EO count unspecified, assumed ~3), sulfated, then neutralised with monoethanolamine, a petrochemical amine. Commercial grades vary in EO number.

In plain English

A foaming cleanser made from coconut-derived fatty alcohol, mildly reacted with a synthetic ingredient and neutralised with an amine. Common in shampoos and body washes.

CosIng definition: Ethanol, 2-amino-, compd. with .alpha.-sulfo-.omega.-(dodecyloxy)poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) (1:1)

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References

  1. 1ISO 16128-1:2016 and ISO 16128-2:2017 — Guidelines on technical definitions and criteria for natural and organic cosmetic ingredients and products. ISO, Geneva.
  2. 2MEA-LAURETH SULFATE. CosIng — European Commission cosmetic ingredient database. ec.europa.eu/cosing ↗
  3. 3MEA-LAURETH SULFATE. CosIng u2014 European Commission database for information on cosmetic substances and ingredients. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/search?search=MEA-LAURETH%20SULFATE