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LAUROYL LACTYLIC ACID.

Valuable CAS 48075-52-1 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Lauroyl Lactylic Acid is a versatile organic acid, known primarily through its widely utilized sodium salt, which plays a multifaceted role in precision skincare. It acts as a mild emulsifier and gentle surfactant, ensuring stable formulations and effective, non-stripping cleansing, while also offering significant skin conditioning and moisturizing benefits.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant (mild cleansing) Skin Conditioning Moisturizing Foam Stabilizing Antimicrobial (mild)

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient, largely through its sodium salt, primarily functions as an emulsifier, expertly blending oil and water-based components to achieve stable and uniform product textures. As a mild surfactant, it reduces surface tension, enabling gentle yet effective cleansing by lifting impurities without compromising the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Furthermore, it acts as a skin conditioner and moisturizing agent, forming a protective layer that diminishes moisture loss and enhances skin hydration and texture. It also aids in foam stabilization and exhibits mild antimicrobial properties.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.5–5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Typical usage levels in cosmetic formulations are considered safe by the CIR Expert Panel.
  2. 02 Highest maximum use concentration in leave-on cosmetic products designed for direct skin application (excluding sprays).
  3. 03 Maximum use concentration in rinse-off skin cleansing products, where it has demonstrated non-irritating properties in primary skin irritation studies on rabbits.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The provided research data does not indicate concerns or thresholds related to ingredient dusting for Lauroyl Lactylic Acid.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 4 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

Lauroyl Lactylic Acid exhibits robust pH compatibility, maintaining stability within a range of 4.0 to 9.0. It is highly soluble in oils and demonstrates partial solubility or dispersibility in warm water. For optimal formulation, it is recommended to incorporate it into the water phase. Enhanced stability and refined aesthetic elegance can be achieved by combining it with complementary thickeners and co-emulsifiers, such as equal parts of Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate.

Synergies

  • Thickeners
  • Co-emulsifiers (e.g., Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate in equal parts)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
10%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, the sodium salt of this acid, safe for use in cosmetics at current practices and concentrations, provided formulations are non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It generally presents low irritation potential and is well-tolerated, even by individuals with sensitive skin. While classified as a weak skin sensitizer in specific animal tests, including a guinea pig maximization test at 0.5% and local lymph node assays up to 50%, its safety profile for typical cosmetic usage is considered favorable when formulated appropriately. It is not listed as restricted or prohibited in the EU and is FDA-approved for food and cosmetic use, also considered non-comedogenic.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Lauroyl Lactylic Acid is a valuable, multi-functional ingredient, largely studied through its sodium salt, exhibiting emulsifying, gentle cleansing, and skin conditioning properties, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of skin types when properly formulated.

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