Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 1
molecular structure · PubChem CID 23668817
AKA: 137-16-6, N-Lauroylsarcosine sodium salt, Sodium lauroylsarcosinate, Sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate, Sarkosyl NL, Gardol, Medialan LL-99, Sarcosyl NL, Sodium lauroylsarcosine
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Not Clean
OriginDerived from sarcosine, a naturally occurring amino acid, combined with lauric acid or coconut oil derivatives. Synthesized through condensation reaction between sarcosine and lauroyl chloride or similar acylating agents.
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is an sodium salt of an acyl derivative of sarcosine, which is a natural amino acid found in muscles and other body tissues. Acyl sarcosines are considered modifiŽed fatty acids in which the hydrocarbon chains are interrupted by an amidomethyl group in the alpha position. They are used as hair-conditioning agents and surfactant-cleansing agents in cosmetics, as well as to improve wetting and penetration of topical pharmaceutical products. Acyl sarcosines and their sodium salts are also used in the metal finishing and processing industries for their crystal modifying, anti-rust, and anti-corrosion properties. (L1892, A2881)
Formula
C15H28NNaO3
Mol. Weight
293.38
CAS #
137-16-6
State
Dry Powder, Liquid; Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Antistatic
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Foaming
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
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.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
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
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing / plus 2 case reports (CIR 332 and 719)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal (CIR 332)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
5 studies / 1 irritating / 4 not irritating (CIR 332 and 719)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.23–0.9%
Rinse-off0.00025–15%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2015 survey
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR