Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a mild anionic surfactant and co-emulsifier made by combining lauric acid with lactic acid. It's included in cleansers and lotions to boost rinse-off, gently solubilize oils, and stabilize oil-in-water systems while leaving a silky finish.
A mild cleansing agent that leaves skin feeling soft and silky.
Category
Cleansing, Emulsifying, Skin Conditioning
Type
Surfactant
Ingredient Ratings
Overall Rating
Good
Comedogenic Risk
None
Skin Benefits
It improves rinse-off cleansing and improves the slip and softness of skin after washing, and supports stable, elegant textures in emulsions and wash-off products.
Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics
It's used in gel cleansers, creamy face washes, and lightweight lotions to aid solubilization and emulsion stability.
Comedogenic Rating
This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.
Safety
It's generally well tolerated; like other surfactants, it may sting eyes or cause mild dryness at higher levels. Sensitive users may prefer lower concentrations and thorough rinsing. No notable regulatory restrictions apply.
Is Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate a Good Ingredient?
It rates Good: its mild cleansing and co-emulsifying action with a soft afterfeel make it versatile for daily-use formulas, and reliable performance with typically low irritation supports a solid, if not extraordinary, rating.