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SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE.

Valuable CAS 137-16-6 / ANTISTATIC, CLEANSING, FOAMING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a mild, anionic surfactant derived from sarcosine. It functions effectively as a cleansing and foaming agent, helping to emulsify and rinse away impurities while promoting a soft, hydrated skin feel.

Summary

Cleansing Foaming Emulsifying Hydrating Antimicrobial Fungistatic Irritation Reduction (of other surfactants)

Science

Mechanism of Action

This amphiphilic, anionic surfactant operates via its unique molecular structure, featuring a 12-carbon hydrophobic chain and a hydrophilic carboxylate group. It efficiently cleanses by facilitating the mixing of water with oils and dirt, enabling their easy removal. Its mild degreasing properties support skin hydration, while it enhances lather in cleansing formulations and can mitigate potential irritation from other surfactants. Furthermore, it aids in moisture retention by forming a hydrophobic protective layer on the epidermal surface, and exhibits antimicrobial activity, inhibiting bacterial flora at 0.25% and demonstrating fungistatic properties at 1% in aqueous dispersions.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.25–5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical studies demonstrate that Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate at concentrations between 2-5% is non-irritating and non-sensitizing to human skin.
  2. 02 In a facial cleanser, it was observed to decrease porphyrin levels, alter the skin lipidome by increasing phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine while reducing ceramides, and significantly reduce the alpha diversity of the prokaryotic microbial community. However, it did not extensively influence other skin biophysical parameters.
  3. 03 Specific antimicrobial effects are noted, with inhibition of bacterial flora at 0.25% and fungistatic action at 1% in aqueous dispersions.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a foundational anionic surfactant primarily utilized for its cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying properties. Its core functional role in formulations necessitates its inclusion at effective concentrations, making it an unlikely candidate for 'dusting' or minimal inclusion for marketing purposes.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5.5 – 8.5
0 7 14

Stability

Highly water-soluble (293 g/L) and stable across a broad pH range from slightly acidic (5.5) to moderately alkaline (up to 8.5 and beyond). It exhibits excellent chemical stability and is compatible with various glycols, silicones, solvents, and phosphate esters. Its foaming and detergent properties are maintained even with substantial amounts of emollients, and it demonstrates good resistance to hard water.

Synergies

  • Glycols
  • Silicones
  • Solvents
  • Phosphate esters
  • Emollients
  • Other surfactants (by reducing their potential irritation)

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Ingredients that could form N-nitroso compounds

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is safe for use in rinse-off products up to 15% and in leave-on products at concentrations up to 5%. It is generally considered non-irritating and non-sensitizing, confirmed by clinical studies at 2-5%. A significant safety consideration is the potential for nitrosamine formation if used in conjunction with ingredients that can create N-nitroso compounds. Reputable manufacturers implement rigorous testing protocols to ensure undetectable levels of nitrosamines and formulate products to prevent their formation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a valuable, mild anionic surfactant offering effective cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying properties with proven low irritancy and broad compatibility across all skin types.

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