Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate is an amino acid-based anionic surfactant derived from lauric acid and glutamic acid. It's used in face washes, shampoos, and low-irritancy products for mild cleansing, fine foam, and compatibility with delicate skin.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A gentle cleanser that creates fine foam without irritation.
Category
Cleansing, Sensitive Skin
Type
Surfactant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Great

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It cleans effectively without a harsh afterfeel, offering a soft, creamy foam suitable for easily upset skin. It's generally well tolerated, though strong evidence for long-term barrier improvements is limited.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's included in mild shampoos, sulfate-free face washes, and low-foam shower gels for delicate routines, and incorporated into gentle cream cleansers and cleansing balms as a supportive surfactant.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

It's usually well tolerated with a low likelihood of irritation, making it suitable for frequent use. Like other surfactants, it can cause temporary eye sting at higher concentrations or with direct contact.

Is Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate a Good Ingredient?

It earns a Great rating for its excellent mildness, fine creamy foam, and skin-friendly profile, supported by comparative irritation testing; it performs well in sensitive-skin systems while maintaining cleansing efficacy. It's also formulation-stable and typically low in residual irritation compared with conventional sulfates.