Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

LAURYL PYRROLIDONE.

Avoid CAS 2687-96-9 / CLEANSING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Lauryl Pyrrolidone is a multifunctional surfactant that acts as a cleansing agent, emulsifier, and foam booster in cosmetic formulations. It is also recognized for its ability to enhance the dermal penetration of other active ingredients.

Summary

Cleansing Hair conditioning Surfactant Emulsifier Penetration Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a surfactant, Lauryl Pyrrolidone efficiently reduces the surface tension of liquids, facilitating the uniform blending of immiscible substances such as oils and water. This enables its function as a cleansing agent, an emulsifier for stable product formulations, and a foam-generating ingredient. Additionally, it operates as a chemical penetration enhancer, potentially boosting the absorption of other active compounds into the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal pH range for stability is not specified. Lauryl Pyrrolidone exhibits sparing solubility in water, measured at 51.7 mg/L at 20℃ and 5.42 mg/L at 32C. It demonstrates solubility in most organic solvents. Its solubility can be significantly enhanced through interaction with anionic surfactants, forming mixed micelles that also synergistically reduce surface tension and improve wetting. Such combinations can also be used to formulate viscous solutions and gels.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants for enhanced solubility, reduced surface tension, and viscosity control.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

Lauryl Pyrrolidone has not undergone a specific safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel or received an opinion from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). However, a related derivative, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), was banned by the SCCS at 5% concentration due to severe safety concerns (CMR category 1B), partly because of its dermal absorption enhancement capabilities—a property also attributed to Lauryl Pyrrolidone. The U.S. FDA does not pre-approve cosmetic ingredients (excluding color additives) but requires products to be safe for their intended use; no specific FDA restrictions are listed for Lauryl Pyrrolidone. Critically, GHS classifications indicate that Lauryl Pyrrolidone 'Causes severe skin burns and eye damage' and 'May cause an allergic skin reaction', suggesting significant irritancy and sensitization potential. It is also classified as 'Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects'.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite its functional benefits as a surfactant and penetration enhancer, Lauryl Pyrrolidone carries significant safety concerns, including GHS classifications for severe skin burns, eye damage, and allergic reactions, coupled with a lack of independent safety review and its structural relation to a banned ingredient (NMP).

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…