• Provides high, stable foam in soaps and shampoos
• Improves cleansing efficiency in face and body washes
• Hardens cold process soaps and adds creamy texture
• Derived from coconut oil, plant-based and vegan
• Acts as a co-emulsifier and texture enhancer in emulsions

Lauric Acid – High-Foaming Fatty Acid for Soaps, Cleansers & Surfactants

Lauric Acid is a saturated medium-chain fatty acid (C12) extracted from coconut or palm kernel oil, widely used in personal care formulations. Known for its excellent foaming and cleansing abilities, Lauric Acid is a staple in cold process soap making, surfactant systems, and shaving foams. It helps increase lather, improve bar hardness, and add a silky, conditioning afterfeel to rinse-off products. In emulsions, it serves as a co-thickener and co-emulsifier, giving body and consistency.

INCI Name: Lauric Acid

CAS Number: 143-07-7

Solubility: Oil-soluble

Add Phase: Oil phase (heated)

pH Stability: Stable across wide pH range

Processing Temperature: 60–75°C

Appearance: White powder or flakes

Odor: Mild fatty odor

Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₄O₂

Molecular Weight: 200.32 g/mol

Flash Point: > 150°C

Density: ~0.87 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Saturated fatty acid

Functional Groups: Carboxylic acid

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Soap making, shampoos, facial cleansers, shaving foams, emulsions

• Usage Rate: 1% – 20%
• Phase: Add in heated oil phase
• Ideal For: Bar Soaps, Face Wash, Shampoos, Cream Cleansers

🧼 For perfect soap bars, blend Lauric Acid with Stearic and Myristic Acids for hardness, cleansing, and luxurious foam. In surfactant cleansers, combine with mild surfactants like SCI for balanced cleansing.

✔️ Best for oily and combination skin

✔️ Suitable for normal skin in rinse-off products

✔️ May be drying for sensitive or dry skin types in high concentrations

1. Cold Process Soap Bar

Use up to 25% of total oils for a firm, rich-lathering soap.

2. Foaming Face Cleanser

Add 3–5% Lauric Acid to enhance foaming in cream cleanser formulas.

3. Shaving Cream Base

Include with stearic and myristic acids for thick, creamy lather.

4. Shampoo Bar

Use 10–15% for solid bars with stable cleansing and lather.

5. Emulsified Scrub or Butter

Add 2–3% for extra structure and mild cleansing feel.

Serums
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in lightweight or water-based products.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Can be used in thickening emulsions.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not applicable.



Face Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Sometimes used in rinse-off clay mask cleansers.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Foam and cleansing enhancement.



Hair Masks
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not typically used.



Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – May be used in solid sticks or pastes.



Eye Creams
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Too harsh for delicate area.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Enhances lather and cleansing.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Essential for foam and hardness.



Conditioners
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not typically used in leave-on conditioners.



Lip Balms
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in anhydrous balm systems.



Body Butters
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Too cleansing for rich butters.



Ointments
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Incompatible with healing salve applications.

Q1: Is Lauric Acid natural?

A1: Yes — derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil, and 100% plant-based.

Q2: Will it dry out skin?

A2: In high concentrations, yes. Combine with emollients or glycerin for balance.

Q3: Can I use it in shampoos?

A3: Yes — it boosts cleansing and foam in solid and liquid shampoos.

Q4: Is it vegan and biodegradable?

A4: Yes — Bio Shop™’s Lauric Acid is vegan, palm-free, and biodegradable.

Q5: Can I use it as an emulsifier?

A5: It's not a standalone emulsifier but can support structure when combined with waxes or emulsifiers.