Sodium Behenoyl Lactylate

What is Sodium Behenoyl Lactylate?

Sodium Behenoyl Lactylate is the sodium salt of the lactic acid ester of behenic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid derived from vegetable oils like rapeseed. This anionic compound features a hydrophobic C22 alkyl chain attached to a hydrophilic lactylate group, enabling its dual role in cosmetics. Commonly found in body washes, shampoos, facial cleansers, lotions, and creams, it works by reducing surface tension between skin and water to lift impurities and create lather during cleansing. In emulsions, it stabilizes mixtures of oils and water by forming a flexible film at their boundary, preventing separation and maintaining product consistency over time. Its structure imparts mildness, minimizing disruption to the skin's natural barrier compared to shorter-chain surfactants.

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

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.
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

Supports effective yet gentle cleansing in washes and shampoos.

Stabilizes lotions and creams for smooth, even texture.

Non-comedogenic, suitable for formulations targeting clearer skin.

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 mild cleansers for daily use.
People with allergies to fatty acid lactylates.
Users of emulsion-based moisturizers wanting product stability.
Individuals sensitive to anionic surfactants.
Those preferring low-hazard ingredients in routines.
Those avoiding synthetic-derived emulsifiers.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use by regulatory reviews.
  • Low potential for skin irritation in typical concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Behenoyl Lactylate

What is Sodium Behenoyl Lactylate derived from?

It comes from behenic acid in plant oils and lactic acid, forming a sodium salt.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its mild profile supports use in gentle formulations.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of zero, making it non-pore-clogging.