Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a mixture of sodium salts, used in skincare as an emulsifier and surfactant. It is made by the reaction of lauric acid and alpha-hydroxy acid.
As the latter might be animal and plant-based, sodium lauroyl lactylate might be both. Vegan and non-vegan. Now, let’s find out more about it.
What Is Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate? What Is It Made Of?
Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a skincare ingredient, a mixture of sodium salts. Commonly used in skincare to enhance product formulation in a variety of ways. It is an emulsifier and a weak thickener. Sodium lauroyl lactylate is obtained from lauric acid.
Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a naturally derived ingredient. It is the sodium salt obtained mostly by the reaction of lauric acid and some type of alpha-hydroxy acid. Mostly stearic acid.
Although the word lactylate might suggest milk, it does not. However, the ingredient is mostly made with stearic acid. As stearic acid could be derived from both, animal and plant fats, it is complicated to find out if sodium lauroyl lactylate is vegan-friendly or not.
Why Is Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Used In Skincare?
Sodium lauroyl lactylate is used in skincare because it is an emulsifier and surfactant. It helps other ingredients absorb better. Sodium lauroyl lactylate also helps to clean the skin.
Firstly, sodium lauroyl lactylate is a surfactant that helps wash away makeup, dirt, and excess oil from the skin. As an ingredient that easily penetrates the skin, sodium lauroyl lactylate also helps other ingredients absorb better.
As an emulsifier, it keeps water-based and oil-based ingredients stay mixed. Sodium lauroyl lactylate improves the product’s texture and feel.
Moreover, the ingredient moisturizes the skin. Also, since lauric acid has an antimicrobial effect, so does sodium lauroyl lactylate.
Unlike other surfactants, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl lactylate is gentler. It is classified as a very low-risk ingredient. It is unlikely to cause skin problems or allergies. However, people sensitive to lactic acid should avoid that substance.
FAQ About Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a skincare ingredient, a mixture of sodium salts. Commonly used in skincare to enhance product formulation in a variety of ways. It is an emulsifier and a weak thickener obtained from lauric acid.
Sodium lauroyl lactylate is used in skincare because it is an emulsifier and surfactant. It helps other ingredients absorb better. Sodium lauroyl lactylate also helps to clean the skin.
Since it is very difficult to find out whether the AHA the substance is obtained with is plant-based or not, it cannot be labeled as 100% vegan.
Summary
Sodium lauroyl lactylate is a mixture of sodium salts. As a skincare ingredient, it washes away oil, makeup, and other dirt fallen on the skin. It also improves the texture and feel of the formulas and helps moisturize the skin.
It is a fairly safe ingredient. However, since it is very difficult to find out whether the AHA the substance is obtained with is plant-based or not, it cannot be labeled as 100% vegan.
So, there is a 50/50 chance that it is a vegan active ingredient. To be sure, we recommend buying skincare only from vegan brands.
