Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

Benefits
Cleansing

What is Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate?

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the sodium salt formed by esterifying lauric acid, sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils, with lactic acid produced via sugar fermentation. This creates an anionic surfactant commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, lotions, and creams. As a surfactant, it reduces surface tension between water, oils, and dirt, enabling effective removal during rinsing while producing foam in some formulas. Its emulsifying action stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures by forming a protective layer at the interface, ensuring products remain uniform without separating. This ingredient contributes to mild, creamy textures in rinse-off and leave-on items, supporting everyday cleansing routines without compromising formulation integrity.

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.
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

Gentle cleansing action removes impurities and excess oils effectively.

Stabilizes emulsions for smooth, consistent product textures.

Supports foaming in washes while maintaining mildness on 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 surfactants in daily cleansers.
Those with known allergies to coconut-derived ingredients.
Users of lotions and creams preferring stable formulations.
Individuals sensitive to anionic surfactants.
People with normal to sensitive skin needing non-comedogenic options.
People experiencing irritation from lactylate esters.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard with minimal skin penetration.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by expert reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate

What is Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate derived from?

It comes from lauric acid in coconut or palm oils combined with fermented lactic acid.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it offers mild cleansing with low irritation risk.

What products commonly contain it?

Found in shampoos, body washes, cleansers, lotions, and creams.