AKA: Monolaurin, Glycerol monolaurate, 27215-38-9, Monolauroylglycerin, Glycerin monolaurate, Cithrol GML, Dodecanoic acid, Monoester with 1, 2, 3-propanetriol, Laurin, Glycerox L 8
Synthetic
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
Lauric acid, monoester with glycerol / 2,3-dihydroxypropyl laurate
CAS #
27215-38-4, 142-18-7
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
CIR Panel statement found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 344)
Not an Eye Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 320 and 706)
Skin Irritant in Testing
6 studies / 6 irritating / reactions mild to moderate (CIR 320 and 344 and 706)
Mixed Sensitization Results
5 studies / 1 sensitizing / 1 mixed / 3 not sensitizing (CIR 320 and 344 and 706)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2020
Regulatory Status
JAPAN⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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