Potassium Laurate

What is Potassium Laurate?

Potassium laurate is the potassium salt derived from lauric acid, a medium-chain saturated fatty acid commonly obtained from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. In cosmetic formulations, it functions as an anionic surfactant, primarily in rinse-off products such as liquid hand soaps, body washes, shampoos, and facial cleansers. By lowering the surface tension of liquids, it enables the formation of micelles that trap oils, dirt, and impurities, facilitating their removal during rinsing. Its emulsifying properties help blend oil and water phases, ensuring product stability and smooth texture. This ingredient contributes to lathering action, making it a staple in foaming cleansers designed for daily use on skin and hair.

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:

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.
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

Delivers thorough cleansing by lifting away dirt and excess oils.

Promotes foaming for a satisfying wash experience.

Stabilizes emulsions in cleansers and washes for even 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 preferring gentle, soap-based cleansers.
Those with known sensitivity to soaps or anionic surfactants.
Users of foaming body washes and shampoos.
Individuals experiencing dryness from alkaline cleansers.
People seeking surfactants from natural oil sources.
People preferring non-foaming or soap-free products.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by environmental health assessments.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Potassium Laurate

What is potassium laurate made from?

It is the potassium salt of lauric acid, usually from coconut or palm kernel oils.

Is potassium laurate safe for daily use?

Yes, it is commonly used in rinse-off cleansers with low hazard ratings.

Does it cause breakouts?

It has a non-comedogenic rating, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.