Potassium Laurate

AKA: LAURIC ACID, POTASSIUM SALT, 10124-65-9, Potassium dodecanoate, Dodecanoic acid, Potassium salt, Potassium;dodecanoate, Potassium salt (1:1)
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following ingredients are safe in the present practices of use andconcentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing, which may be basedon a QRA...Potassium Laurate...
Formula
C12H23KO2
Mol. Weight
238.41
CAS #
10124-65-9
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
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.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A soap-like surfactant created by combining potassium with lauric acid (derived from coconut or palm oil). Developed in the 20th century as a mild, natural-origin alternative to synthetic surfactants for cleansing products.
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: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR