Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

What is Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate?

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is the sodium salt of the lauroyl ester of sarcosine, an N-methyl derivative of the amino acid glycine, combined with lauric acid typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. This anionic surfactant functions by reducing surface tension in water, enabling the formation of micelles that trap oils, dirt, and impurities for easy rinsing. Commonly found in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and toothpastes, it provides effective cleansing with notable foam stability and mildness compared to harsher sulfates. Its amphiphilic structure—one hydrophobic fatty chain and hydrophilic head—allows it to emulsify oils in water-based formulas, while also contributing to product viscosity and antistatic properties on hair. In rinse-off applications, it supports gentle daily use without stripping natural moisture excessively.

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:

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.
Antistatic agent
Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Delivers effective yet gentle cleansing by lifting dirt and oils.

Produces stable, rich foam for better product distribution and user experience.

Offers mild conditioning effects, improving hair manageability and skin feel.

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 sulfate-free cleansers for daily routines.
Those with rare allergies to coconut-derived ingredients.
People with sensitive skin preferring milder surfactants.
People experiencing eye irritation from foam-based products.
Users of shampoos and washes wanting good foam without irritation.
Individuals preferring completely non-foaming, minimalist cleansers.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard (1-3) by environmental working group assessments.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by cosmetic ingredient review experts.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

What is sodium lauroyl sarcosinate derived from?

It comes from sarcosine, an amino acid derivative, esterified with lauric acid from coconut or palm sources.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it is recognized for its mild cleansing action compared to stronger surfactants.

What products commonly contain it?

Shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and oral care products for foaming and cleansing.