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
Clean
OriginTypically derived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as the natural starting material. Synthesized through saponification of lauric acid or laurate esters with potassium hydroxide.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.001–2%
Rinse-off1.3–9%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2016 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR