Sodium Lauroampho Pg-Acetate Phosphate

What is Sodium Lauroampho Pg-Acetate Phosphate?

Sodium Lauroampho PG-Acetate Phosphate is a synthetic amphoteric surfactant produced by reacting lauroamphoacetate, derived from lauric acid sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils, with propylene glycol and phosphate groups. This zwitterionic compound carries both positive and negative charges, enabling pH-responsive behavior that enhances mildness across a range of formulations. Primarily featured in rinse-off hair care products like shampoos and conditioners, as well as body washes and facial cleansers, it functions by reducing surface tension for effective dirt removal, generating stable foam for even product distribution, improving ingredient solubility to prevent cloudiness, and depositing a light conditioning layer that smooths hair cuticles to minimize friction and static buildup during rinsing.

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:

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.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.

Benefits

Provides gentle cleansing without stripping natural oils from skin or hair.

Boosts foam quality for a satisfying lather in wash products.

Offers conditioning effects that enhance hair manageability 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 seeking mild surfactants for daily hair and body cleansing.
Those with confirmed allergies to coconut-derived ingredients.
People with normal to dry hair needing added softness and reduced static.
People experiencing irritation from amphoteric surfactants.
Users of water-based formulas preferring clear, stable product textures.
Individuals preferring silicone-free or purely anionic cleansers.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by environmental working group assessments.
  • Considered safe for use in cosmetics by cosmetic ingredient review experts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Lauroampho Pg-Acetate Phosphate

What makes this surfactant mild?

Its amphoteric nature with dual charges allows gentle interaction with skin and hair across pH levels.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, due to its low hazard rating and design for reduced irritation in rinse-off products.

Does it help with product clarity?

As a hydrotrope, it improves solubility of other ingredients to maintain clear formulations.