Palm Kernel Acid

AKA: Lauric Acid, Palm Kernel Fatty Acid
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Acid
Clean
Fatty acids, palm kernel-oil
CAS #
101403-98-9
Form
Powder
Functions
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
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Fights Bacteria
Removes dirt and impurities
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A saturated fatty acid derived from palm kernels through modern chemical processing. Developed for use in synthetic surfactants and cleansing ingredients in contemporary cosmetics.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR