An arginine-based cationic surfactant used as a preservative and antimicrobial, regulated in Annex III.
What it is
Ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl is the hydrochloride of the ethyl ester of N-lauroyl-L-arginine, a cationic compound made from lauric acid, the amino acid arginine and ethanol, often abbreviated LAE. CosIng lists it as an anti-seborrhoeic, antimicrobial, deodorant, hair-conditioning, oral care, preservative and skin-conditioning ingredient. In the EU it is covered by an entry in Annex III (substances subject to restrictions).
Where it is used
Found in soaps, anti-dandruff shampoos, deodorants and other products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
See the EU regulation section for the applicable limits; according to the Annex III entry, they apply to soaps, anti-dandruff shampoos and non-spray deodorants. The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- Anti-seborrheic
- Preventing or relieving the symptoms of seborrhea and/or seborrheic dermatitis, including dandruff.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Preservative
- Exclusively or mainly intended to inhibit the development of micro-organisms in the cosmetic product. All authorised preservatives are substances in the positive list of Annex V to the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
- Skin conditioning – miscellaneous
- Enhancing the appearance of dry and/or damaged skin by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness.
- Antimicrobial
- Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.
- Deodorant
- Reducing and/or eluminating unpleasant odour. Contributing against the formation of malodour on body surfaces.
- Oral care
- Providing cosmetic effects to the oral cavity, e.g. cleansing, deodorising, protecting.
EU regulation
- Product type
- (a) soap (b) anti- dandruff shampoos (c) deodorants, not in form of spray
- Maximum concentration
- 0,8 %
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EC) 2013/344
- Product type
- (a) Mouthwashes (b) Other products
- Maximum concentration
- (a) 0,15 % (b) 0,4 %
- Conditions and warnings
- (a) Not to be used for children under 10 years of age
- As of
- 3 November 2026 · (EU) 2016/1121