An anionic surfactant used for cleansing and emulsifying.
What it is
Potassium lauryl sulfate is potassium dodecyl sulfate, the potassium salt of the sulfate ester of lauryl alcohol, a C12 fatty alcohol. It is the potassium counterpart of sodium lauryl sulfate. CosIng lists it as an emulsifying and cleansing surfactant.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of rinse-off products, such as cleansers and shampoos.
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.
The label does not show the concentration actually used.
Functions
- Surfactant – emulsifying
- Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.
- 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).
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.