Sodium Cocoyl Lactylate

AKA: Coconut Lactylate, Lactic Acid Coconut Surfactant

Allergen Warning

⚠️ Tree Nut (Coconut)

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Chemical Exfoliant

Plant Oil

Not Clean

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

CAS #

-

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

Traditional Use

Created in the latter half of the 20th century by combining coconut acyl derivatives with lactic acid. Designed as a gentle, skin-conditioning cleanser inspired by lactic acid's traditional use in skincare.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

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.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR