Snapshot
- Overview
- A mild cleansing agent that helps rinse away oily residue evenly.
- Category
- Cleansing, Emulsifying
- Type
- Surfactant
Lactate/ Laurate
Lactate/laurate refers to a class of surfactant-emulsifier compounds combining lactate and laurate groups for cosmetics. It's used for mild cleansing, stabilizing emulsions, improving wetting and spread, and helping oily residues rinse cleanly.
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Our take
Is Lactate/ Laurate a Good Ingredient?
Rated Fair because it works reliably as a mild cleansing and emulsifying aid but lacks strong evidence for any direct skin benefit. Like other surfactants, frequent or heavy use may cause dryness or irritation, especially on sensitive skin, which keeps the rating in the middle.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Gently lifts daily buildup while leaving a cleaner, non-greasy finish. Improves slip so formulas spread more evenly on skin or hair.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Common in facial cleansers, body washes, and makeup removers; also used in lotions and creams as an emulsifying helper.
Before you use it
Safety
Generally safe in rinse-off and well-formulated leave-ons, but may cause dryness, tightness, or stinging in sensitive users. Patch test and reduce frequency if irritation occurs.
Products with Lactate/ Laurate
