LAURYL HYDROXYSULTAINE (Lauryl hydroxysultaine) – function in cosmetics

A mild amphoteric surfactant.

What it is

Lauryl hydroxysultaine is an amphoteric surfactant with a lauryl (C12) chain and a hydroxysulfonate group. CosIng lists it as antistatic, cleansing, foam boosting, hair conditioning, skin conditioning, cleansing surfactant and viscosity controlling.

Where it is used

Used in shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, baby washes and other cleansing products, usually alongside other surfactants.

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.

Its position on the list does not show whether it acts as the main or a secondary surfactant in a given formula.

Functions

Antistatic

Preventing and/or reducing static electricity by neutralising electrical charge on surfaces.

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Surfactant – foam boosting

Increasing foaming capacity and/or stabilize foams in general.

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.

Skin conditioning

Maintaining the skin in good condition.

Surfactant – cleansing

Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

Viscosity controlling

Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.

LAURYL HYDROXYSULTAINE

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (25)