SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE (Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate) – function in cosmetics

An amino-acid-based surfactant used in cleansers.

What it is

Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is a surfactant made from lauric acid and sarcosine. It cleanses and foams and is often described as milder than sodium lauryl sulfate.

Where it is used

Found in face washes, shampoos and toothpastes.

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.

Mildness depends on the whole surfactant system and concentration, not a single ingredient.

Functions

Antistatic

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

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Surfactant – emulsifying

Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

Foaming

Traping numerous small bubbles of air or other gas within a small volume of liquid by modifying the surface tension of the liquid.

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.

SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (169)