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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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A mild cleansing agent that helps rinse away oily residue evenly.
Category
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Type
Surfactant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Gently lifts daily buildup while leaving a cleaner, non-greasy finish. Improves slip so formulas spread more evenly on skin or hair.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in facial cleansers, body washes, and makeup removers; also used in lotions and creams as an emulsifying helper.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

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.

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.

Products with Lactate/ Laurate

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