Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate

Benefits
Hair ConditioningCleansingAntistatic

What is Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate?

Disodium lauroamphodiacetate is a synthetic amphoteric surfactant, formed as the disodium salt from lauric acid—a coconut-derived fatty acid—and diacetic acid derivatives. It carries both positive and negative charges, allowing pH-dependent behavior that makes it exceptionally mild. Primarily used in rinse-off personal care products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, it functions by reducing surface tension to lift dirt and oils into micelles for easy rinsing. Its dual-charge structure enables foaming, emulsification of oils, and light conditioning effects on hair and skin, while also acting as a hydrotrope to solubilize other ingredients. This versatility supports clear, stable formulations, especially in gentle, low-irritation systems such as baby products.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Foam booster
Enhances foam volume and creaminess and can stabilize lather, improving sensory feel and perceived cleansing in shampoos and wash-off products.
Hydrotrope
Improves solubility of poorly soluble ingredients (like fragrances) in water-based systems, helping maintain clarity and prevent separation or cloudiness.
Antistatic agent
Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Delivers mild cleansing that preserves skin and hair's natural moisture barrier.

Boosts rich, stable foam for effective yet comfortable washing experience.

Conditions hair by reducing friction, static, and improving softness and shine.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with sensitive skin seeking non-drying cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to coconut-derived fatty acids.
People with dry or frizzy hair needing antistatic conditioning.
People experiencing irritation from amphoteric surfactants.
Users of baby or gentle formulas preferring low-irritation options.
Individuals sensitive to preservatives often paired in formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Recognized as safe in rinse-off cosmetics by expert reviews due to low irritation potential.
  • Minimal absorption and quick rinsing reduce any risk in typical use.

Frequently Asked Questions about Disodium Lauroamphodiacetate

What makes it mild?

Amphoteric structure allows low irritation on skin and eyes, ideal for sensitive formulas.

Is it suitable for hair care?

Yes, it conditions by reducing static and improving manageability in shampoos.

Does it create good foam?

Acts as a foam booster for creamy, stable lather in washes.