Sodium Cocoyl Lactylate

AKA: Coconut Lactylate, Lactic Acid Coconut Surfactant

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Not Clean

OriginDerived from coconut oil fatty acids and lactic acid as starting materials. Synthesized through esterification of coconut fatty acids with lactic acid, then neutralized with sodium.

Fatty acids, coco, 2-(1-carboxyethoxy)-1-methyl-2-oxoethyl esters, sodium salts

CAS #

-

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

Allergen Warning

⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)

Functions

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

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

Cleansing Surfactant

Emulsifier

Mixes Oil & Water

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewednone on file

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Concentration Guide

CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.

CIR · 2017 survey

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR