Sodium Laurate

AKA: Sodium dodecanoate, 629-25-4, Dodecanoic acid, Sodium salt, Lauran sodny, CHEBI:131839
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...Sodium Laurate...
Formula
C12H23NaO2
Mol. Weight
222.30
CAS #
629-25-4
State
Water or Solvent Wet Solid; Liquid
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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Improves Elasticity
Moisturizing
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Derived from lauric acid, found traditionally in coconut oil used for centuries in Pacific and Southeast Asian skincare and haircare. The sodium salt form was developed synthetically in the 20th century as a mild soap and cleanser.
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