Potassium Laurate

Potassium Laurate is the potassium salt of lauric acid, producing a high-foaming, water-soluble soap surfactant. Hand washes and shaving products use it for quick lather, effective soil removal, and oil dispersion in alkaline systems.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A foaming soap ingredient that lathers well but may dry out skin.
Category
Cleansing, Emulsifying
Type
Surfactant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Generates rich foam and removes greasy residue efficiently; may be too strong for very dry skin. Clinical backing is limited; benefits reflect cleansing performance in soap systems.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in hand cleansers, shaving foams, and body washes to maximize foam volume and cleansing strength in high-pH wash bases.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

Safe for typical rinse-off use, yet its high-pH soap character may disrupt the skin barrier, causing tightness or irritation in some users. Limit contact time if skin is dry or reactive and avoid eye exposure.

Is Potassium Laurate a Good Ingredient?

It rates Fair: it delivers strong, fast-foaming cleansing, but the support is mainly functional rather than clinical and relies on high-pH soap systems, which can be stripping or irritating for dry or sensitive skin at higher levels.

Products with Potassium Laurate

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