INCI system (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) is a standardized order of naming cosmetic ingredients existing in accordance with the law of the European Union. It creates a standardized procedure of indicating ingredients on cosmetic packagings. MIPA Laureth Sulfate is the name derived from this system for the monoisopropanolamine salt ethoxylated with ethylene lauryl oxides.
In terms of chemistry, this compound is a vegetable fatty alcohol ether that has been saponified with monoisopropanolamine sulfate. More specifically, it is monoisoproanolamine salt of lauryl ether sulfate based on natural C12-C14 fatty alcohol ethoxylate with 2 moles of EO in propylene glycol. It is a mild anionic surfactant. The CAS number of the compound is 1187742-72-8. It is an unambiguous numerical term assigned to a chemical substance by a US organization, the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS). The substance is a clear, yellowish or colourless liquid. Like most surfactants used in cosmetics, this substance is manufactured in a semi-synthetic process using a base of natural raw materials and is biodegradable.
In cosmetics, the monoisopropanolamine salt ethoxylated with ethylene oxides of lauryl alcohol has several important functions from the perspective of the cosmetics formula. It is primarily responsible for the washing properties. It also acts as a surfactant, detergent and emulsifier. It is a bodying agent and a solubilizer (dissolution mediator). The unique properties of MIPA Laureth Sulfate made it an excellent foam stabilizer and thickener. It is worth noting, that the salt is defined as an anti-sediment substance and so it is willingly used it in the composition of preparations. All these properties of MIPA Laureth Sulfate make it a commonly used cleansing and degreasing agent for washing skin and hair, often used in the cosmetic market. It contributes to a thick and creamy foam, therefore it is used in the production of personal hygiene products. These include all kinds of shower and bath oils, regular and specialized shampoos (e.g. anti-dandruff), agents for washing heavily soiled hands, animal bath gels and scrubs. MIPA Laureth Sulfate and Propylene Glycol are often used in the composition of many cosmetics. It is one of the most frequently chosen chemicals when designing and preparing formulas for preparations, because it has several desirable properties for a given product.
In addition to the use in cosmetics, due to its several valuable properties, the salt is used in the washing detergents where it has several functions in the finished composition of the final product. It is more and more popular to prepare liquid detergent concentrates with the use of a given active substance.
According to the provisions on chemical products specified by the EC regulations, this compound is approved and is subject to appropriate restrictions on the market. Those restrictions include, e.g., purity criteria, a list of use-limiting substances, and acceptable safe maximum concentrations. The substance is irritating to the eyes, may cause skin dryness and irritatation. Therefore, it is not recommended to use the described substance in oral hygiene cosmetics and on the eye and mouth area. It is advised not to use cosmetics of high content of this substance on damaged or irritated skin. MIPA Laureth Sulfate and Propylene Glycol is a minimally allergenic and comedogenic compound.
