Stearoyl Sarcosine
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 142-48-3, N-stearoylsarcosine, Glycine, SARKOSYL S, Stearoyl N-methylaminoacetic acid, Stearoyl N-methylglycine
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Plant Oil
Not Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following ingredients are safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. The Expert Panel cautions that these ingredients should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be found...Stearoyl Sarcosine...
Formula
C21H41NO3
Mol. Weight
355.60
CAS #
142-48-3
Form
Liquid
Functions
Antistatic
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Hair 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.
Surfactant Cleansing
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Antioxidant
Removes dirt and impurities
Lifts away dirt and oil
Reduces flyaways
Softens and detangles hair
Traditional Use
Synthesized in the mid-20th century as a mild surfactant and conditioning agent. Designed to provide gentle cleansing while maintaining skin hydration in contemporary cosmetics.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Industry max
Industry typically uses up to 4.0% in leave-on products (217 products reported). Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 607).
Regulatory Agencies
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: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR