Skip to content

Surfactant

C9-11 ALKETH-4

CAS 68439-46-3 (generic)
60

Safety score · 0–100

Fine

Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.

A short-chain PEG-4 alcohol ethoxylate used to mix oil and water in cleansers and lotions. Effective but can carry trace 1,4-dioxane if not purified.

Function

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Skin benefits

  • Common low-foam ethoxylated emulsifier
  • Effective for solubilizing oils
  • Workhorse in cleansers and lotions

Known concerns

  • Ethoxylated — possible 1,4-dioxane impurity
  • Mild defatting at high concentration
  • Environmental persistence concern for ethoxylates

References

EU

EU CosIng database

European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry: regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.

Related surfactants

60
AMMONIUM LAURETH-12 SULFATE
Surfactant
 60
AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE
Surfactant
 60
BUTETH-3 CARBOXYLIC ACID
Surfactant
 60
C10-16 ALKETH-1
Surfactant
 60
C11-15 ALKETH-12
Surfactant
 60
C11-15 ALKETH-5
Surfactant
 60
C11-21 PARETH-3
Surfactant
 60
C12-14 SEC-ALKETH-40
Surfactant

Same plant / compound family

76
C9-11 ALKETH-4 (FORMERLY C9-11 PARETH-4)
Surfactant
 87
C9-11 ALKETH-40 (FORMERLY C9-11 PARETH-40)
Stabilizer

Check your shelf

Find C9-11 ALKETH-4 in your products.

Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains C9-11 ALKETH-4 and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.

This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve, so always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.