Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Also known as Sodium lauroyl lactylate, SLL
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate (CAS 13557-75-0; C18H31NaO6) is a mild anionic surfactant/emulsifier derived from coconut fatty acids and lactic acid. The CIR Expert Panel specifically assessed this ingredient as part of a 10-member group of alkanoyl lactyl lactate salts and concluded it is safe for cosmetic use at current concentrations when formulated to be nonirritating and nonsensitizing (IJT 2024, PMID 39039928). Biophysical studies confirm SLL has intermediate membrane-disrupting activity — less aggressive than sodium dodecyl sulfate, more so than its hydrolytic breakdown products (lauric acid + lactic acid) — supporting its low-irritancy profile at typical cosmetic concentrations (Gooran et al. 2023). Mixed-surfactant studies demonstrate favorable synergistic surface activity and preserved antimicrobial properties in composite systems (Fan et al. 2022).
Mild anionic surfactant and emulsifier derived from renewable (coconut/lactic acid) feedstocks — positioned as a bio-friendly alternative to petrochemical-based amphiphiles
CIR Expert Panel specifically assessed and found safe in present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be nonirritating and nonsensitizing
Favorable biodegradation profile: hydrolytic breakdown products (lauric acid + lactic acid) cause less permanent membrane disruption than the intact molecule
Strong synergistic surface activity and foaming performance in composite surfactant systems (e.g., with sodium lauroyl glycinate)
- · CIR qualification requires formulation to be nonirritating and nonsensitizing; no unconditional approval
Intermediate membrane-disrupting activity: SLL is more potent than its hydrolytic breakdown products (lauric acid and lactic acid) but significantly less aggressive than sodium dodecyl sulfate; relevant mainly at high concentrations not used in typical cosmetics
Safety Assessment of Alkanoyl Lactyl Lactate Salts as Used in Cosmetics — Johnson et al., Int J Toxicol, 43(4_suppl):108-129, 2024. Sodiu…
“Safety Assessment of Alkanoyl Lactyl Lactate Salts as Used in Cosmetics... Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate... safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be nonirritating and nonsensitizing”— Int J Toxicol 43(4_suppl):108-129, 2024; PMID 39039928