Glyceryl Laurate

Benefits
Softening
Concerns
Malassezia Feeding

What is Glyceryl Laurate?

Glyceryl laurate is a monoester formed by combining glycerol, a simple polyol alcohol, with lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils. In cosmetics, it belongs to the class of glyceryl monoesters, commonly used in cleansers, lotions, and creams. Chemically, it features a hydrophilic glycerol head and a lipophilic laurate tail, enabling it to reduce surface tension for effective cleansing and foaming. As an emulsifier, it bridges oil and water phases to form stable mixtures, preventing separation in emulsions. Its emollient properties allow it to mimic skin's natural lipids, providing a smoothing effect on the skin surface while aiding moisture retention in formulations paired with other barriers. This versatile ingredient supports gentle product textures suitable for daily use.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1-3 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Provides softening action to smooth skin texture.

Functions as a mild surfactant for effective yet gentle cleansing.

Stabilizes emulsions for consistent lotion and cream consistency.

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 seeking smoother skin feel from emollient effects.
Those prone to Malassezia-related skin concerns.
People preferring mild surfactants in daily cleansers.
People with sensitivity to fatty acid esters.
Users of lotions and creams needing stable textures.
Individuals preferring fully non-lipid cleansing agents.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low to moderate hazard by EWG assessments.
  • Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Glyceryl Laurate

What is glyceryl laurate made from?

It is an ester of glycerol and lauric acid, typically from vegetable sources like coconut.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

It acts as a mild surfactant, often suitable for gentle formulations.

Does it help with skin softening?

Yes, its emollient role contributes to a smoother skin feel.