Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

Sulfate Surfactant

What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is the sodium salt of an ester formed from lauryl alcohol, often derived from coconut or palm kernel oils, and sulfoacetic acid. This white, free-flowing powder serves as an anionic surfactant primarily in rinse-off cosmetics such as shampoos, bubble baths, facial cleansers, and toothpaste. It works by decreasing the surface tension of liquids, which allows water to mix with oils and dirt, forming micelles that encapsulate and remove impurities during rinsing. Additionally, it produces dense, stable lather that distributes the product evenly and enhances the sensory feel of cleansing. Its chemical structure, featuring a sulfoacetate group, supports effective performance while offering reduced interaction with skin proteins compared to some traditional surfactants.

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

Benefits

Delivers thorough cleansing by lifting dirt and oils without harsh stripping.

Generates abundant, creamy foam for better product spread and rinse-off.

Supports mild formulations suitable for daily personal care routines.

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 with sensitive skin needing gentle foaming cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to sulfoacetate compounds.
Users seeking effective yet non-drying shampoos or body washes.
Individuals sensitive to coconut-derived ingredients.
People preferring products with good lather in rinse-off applications.
People opting for entirely non-sulfated surfactant products.

Safety Notes

  • Recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by expert reviews.
  • Shows low skin irritation potential in typical rinse-off concentrations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

What makes it different from other surfactants?

Its sulfoacetate group provides milder cleansing and foaming compared to alkyl sulfates.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, it supports gentle formulations with low irritation potential.

Does it cause comedones?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of zero.