murphyLauroyl Sarcosine
AKA: N-LAUROYLSARCOSINE, 97-78-9, Glycine, Lauroylsarcosine, Hamposyl L, Maprosyl L, Sarcosyl L, N-Laurylsarcosine, N-Lauroyl sarcosinate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm kernel oils and the amino acid sarcosine, both natural sources. Synthesized through condensation reaction between fatty acyl chloride and sarcosine under controlled conditions.
Lauroyl sarcosine is a condensation product of natural fatty acids with sarcosine, which is a natural amino acid found in muscles and other body tissues. Acyl sarcosines are considered modifiŽed fatty acids in which the hydrocarbon chains are interrupted by an amidomethyl group in the alpha position. They are used as hair-conditioning agents and surfactant-cleansing agents in cosmetics, as well as to improve wetting and penetration of topical pharmaceutical products. Acyl sarcosines and their sodium salts are also used in the metal finishing and processing industries for their crystal modifying, anti-rust, and anti-corrosion properties. (L1892, A2881)
Formula
C15H29NO3
Mol. Weight
271.40
CAS #
97-78-9
Form
Liquid
State
White hygroscopic powder; [Sigma-Aldrich MSDS]
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antistatic
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Reduces Static
Removes Impurities
Conditions Hair
Cleansing Surfactant
Locks In Moisture
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Reduces flyaways
Softens and detangles hair
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions mild to severe (CIR 332)
Concentration Guide
Leave-onNot reported
Rinse-off6.2–6.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2015 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR