Propylene Glycol Laurate

AKA: 2-Hydroxypropyl laurate, 2-Hydroxypropyl dodecanoate, 142-55-2, Emalex PGML, Propyleneglycol monolaurate, Lauric acid, 2-hydroxypropyl ester, 1, 2-Propanediol, 1-laurate, Rikemal PL 100, Dodecanoic acid, Lauroglycol-FCC
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from coconut oil lauric acid and propylene glycol, both obtainable through petroleum or plant sources. Synthesized through esterification reaction combining lauric acid with propylene glycol under catalytic conditions.
Lauric acid, monoester with propane-1,2-diol
Formula
C15H30O3
Mol. Weight
258.40
CAS #
27194-74-7, 142-55-2, 37321-62-3, 199282-83-2
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin 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.
Locks in moisture
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions slight (CIR 52)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.005–5%
Rinse-off0.05–2.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2014 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR