Lauric Acid
AKA: DODECANOIC ACID, 143-07-7, N-Dodecanoic acid, Dodecylic acid, Laurostearic acid, Vulvic acid, Dodecoic acid, Duodecylic acid, 1-Undecanecarboxylic acid
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Acid
Clean
Dodecanoic acid is a straight-chain, twelve-carbon medium-chain saturated fatty acid with strong bactericidal properties; the main fatty acid in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It has a role as an antibacterial agent, a plant metabolite and an algal metabolite. It is a straight-chain saturated fatty acid and a medium-chain fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of a dodecanoate. It derives from a hydride of a dodecane.
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C12H24O2
Mol. Weight
200.32
CAS #
143-07-7
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Emulsifier
Cleansing Surfactant
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A saturated fatty acid found naturally in coconut oil, palm oil, and other plant sources. Historically used in soap-making and has been employed in cosmetics for its cleansing and emulsifying properties.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR