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SODIUM CAPROYL LACTYLATE.

Valuable CAS 29051-57-8 / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Sodium Caproyl Lactylate is a multifunctional ingredient acting as a mild surfactant, gentle cleansing agent, and effective emulsifier. It stabilizes cosmetic formulations while conditioning the skin, promoting hydration, and providing antimicrobial and anti-sebum benefits, making it highly compatible with diverse skin types.

Emulsifying Surfactant (Gentle Cleansing) Skin Conditioning Antimicrobial (Mild) Anti-sebum Preservative Boosting Anti-dandruff Formulation Stabilizer

Science

This ingredient functions as an amphiphilic emulsifier and stabilizer, adeptly blending oil and water phases to achieve stable emulsions and consistent product textures. Its gentle surfactant action efficiently removes dirt and impurities without compromising the skin's natural moisture barrier. Furthermore, Sodium Caproyl Lactylate conditions the skin, enhances hydration by supporting the lipid barrier, and minimizes trans-epidermal water loss. It exhibits mild antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms and can act as a preservative booster. Additionally, it possesses anti-sebum properties, contributing to oiliness control and reduction of enlarged pores, and can serve as an adjuvant in acne treatments.


Research

High confidence
Effective range 0.3–2%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Acts as a mild surfactant for gentle cleansing, maintaining the skin's moisture barrier, particularly beneficial for sensitive and dry skin.
  2. 02 Functions as a skin-conditioning agent and emulsifier, stabilizing oil-in-water formulations and leaving skin soft, hydrated, and non-greasy.
  3. 03 Recommended for its multifunctional active ingredient properties, including cleansing, reducing oiliness, and antimicrobial action.
  4. 04 Enhances product spreadability and supports antimicrobial preservation in long-wear products.

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Stable within a pH range of 5.0-7.0. However, achieving optimal emulsifier performance may require a formula pH higher than 6.5. Careful balancing of pH and other ingredients is essential to maintain product stability and performance.

Synergies

  • Acts as a preservative booster, enhancing the efficacy of other antimicrobial agents.

Conflicts

  • Cannot fully replace traditional preservatives; requires pairing with other antimicrobial agents for comprehensive product safety.
  • Compatibility with other formulation ingredients should be thoroughly tested during product development.

Safety

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Sodium Caproyl Lactylate and related alkanoyl lactyl lactate salts are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. While earlier data indicated it could be a weak-moderate skin sensitizer at high test concentrations (up to 50%), its use in cosmetic applications up to 5% is generally well-tolerated.


Your Skin

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

Our Assessment

Valuable

Sodium Caproyl Lactylate is a highly valuable, multifunctional ingredient that provides gentle cleansing, superior skin conditioning, and formulation stability, while also delivering anti-sebum and mild antimicrobial benefits suitable for all skin types.


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