- Comedogenic
- 5 / 5
- Irritancy
- 4 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Trigger
- Type
- Surfactant / emulsifier
- INCI name
- Laureth-4
- Also listed as
- Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether
Who should avoid it?
Avoid in leave-on face products if you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin. It is usually fine on the body, in rinse-off products, or on very dry skin that does not break out.
Non-comedogenic swaps
| Swap to | Rating | Fungal acne |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerin | 0/5 | Safe |
Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Laureth-4 comedogenic?
Yes, it is pore-clogging. Laureth-4 has a comedogenic rating of 5 out of 5. A surfactant with both high comedogenicity and high irritancy. It shows up in cleansers and some spot treatments.
Is Laureth-4 safe for fungal acne?
No. Laureth-4 can feed Malassezia yeast, so people with fungal acne usually avoid it.
Does Laureth-4 cause acne?
It can. Ingredients rated 3–5 are frequently linked to clogged pores and breakouts in acne-prone people, especially in leave-on products.
What are other names for Laureth-4?
On labels it can also appear as Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether.