INCI Name: Lauric Acid
Appearance: White crystalline powder
Solubility: Oil-soluble; not water-soluble on its own
Usage Rate: 1% – 30% depending on application
Function: Cleansing agent, foam booster, soap base component, surfactant building block
Lauric Acid is a naturally derived saturated fatty acid, primarily sourced from coconut and palm kernel oil. It is widely used in surfactant systems and soap making for its excellent cleansing properties, ability to produce thick foam, and capacity to thicken formulations when neutralized.
Lauric Acid is known for its powerful cleansing and foaming ability, especially when neutralized into **sodium laurate** or **potassium laurate**. It provides fast lather, stable bubbles, and effective oil removal. While too harsh to use alone, it’s ideal when blended with milder co-surfactants for balanced formulations.
Lauric Acid must be neutralized with sodium or potassium hydroxide to form soap or used as part of a surfactant blend. Because it can be drying on its own, always pair it with milder surfactants such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, or Decyl Glucoside for balanced performance and skin gentleness.
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