• Mild anionic surfactant derived from coconut oil and sarcosine
• Provides creamy, stable foam without harshness
• Sulfate-free and biodegradable alternative to SLS/SLES
• Improves skin and scalp compatibility in cleansing products
• Works well in low-pH formulations

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate – Mild Surfactant & Foaming Agent

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a mild anionic surfactant known for its excellent foaming, cleansing, and skin-conditioning properties. Derived from natural fatty acids (coconut oil) and sarcosine (an amino acid), it offers gentle cleansing with a creamy lather and low irritation profile, making it ideal for baby products, facial cleansers, sulfate-free shampoos, and body washes. It also improves the feel and spreadability of emulsions and can act as a co-surfactant or primary surfactant in low-foam or clear formulations.

INCI Name: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

CAS Number: 137-16-6

Solubility: Water-soluble

Add Phase: Water phase

pH Stability: 4.5 – 7.5

Processing Temperature: Stable up to 80°C

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid

Odor: Mild

Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₂₈NO₃Na

Molecular Weight: 293.38 g/mol

Flash Point: >100°C

Density: ~1.02 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Anionic surfactant

Functional Groups: Carboxylate, amide

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Face wash, shampoo, cleanser, shaving cream, body wash

• Usage Rate: 2% – 30%
• Phase: Add to water phase; avoid excessive heat
• Ideal For: Sulfate-Free Shampoos, Baby Wash, Facial Cleansers, Body Wash, Toothpaste

🧴 Blend Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate with non-ionic surfactants like Coco Glucoside or amphoterics like Cocamidopropyl Betaine for enhanced mildness and foam stability. Always check final pH for optimal skin compatibility (5.0–5.5 is ideal).

✔️ Gentle on all skin types

✔️ Excellent for sensitive and baby skin

✔️ Recommended for oily or acne-prone skin due to light cleansing action

1. Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Use 10–15% as a primary surfactant with Cocamidopropyl Betaine and Polyquaternium-10.

2. Gentle Facial Cleanser

Formulate with 5–7% Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, glycerin, and panthenol for a non-stripping foam.

3. Baby Wash or 2-in-1 Wash

Use 4–6% with natural moisturizers and a pH of ~5.5 for delicate skin care.

4. Shaving Cream or Gel

Combine with xanthan gum and emollients to create a foam-rich, non-irritating shaving base.

5. Oral Care / Toothpaste

At low levels (1–2%), provides cleansing and mild foaming in natural toothpaste formulations.

Serums
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not applicable in anhydrous or treatment serums.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – May enhance sensory feel but not typical use.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not relevant in watery, leave-on formulations.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Useful in rinse-off gel masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – A go-to surfactant for gentle facial cleansing.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Minimal role, unless in cleansing hair masks.



Deodorants
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Rarely used.



Eye Creams
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not recommended for leave-on eye care.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Primary or co-surfactant in gentle shampoos.



Soaps
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – May be used in syndet bars or mild soap alternatives.



Conditioners
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suited for leave-on conditioning.



Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in lip products.



Body Butters
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not a fit for anhydrous butters.



Ointments
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in healing ointments.

Q1: Is Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate sulfate-free?

A1: Yes, it is 100% sulfate-free, making it ideal for sensitive and color-treated hair.

Q2: Is it natural?

A2: It is a naturally derived synthetic, based on amino acid sarcosine and coconut oil.

Q3: Can I use it as the only surfactant?

A3: Yes, but it performs better when blended with other surfactants for texture and cleansing power.

Q4: Does it dry out the skin?

A4: No — it’s known for being gentle, non-stripping, and suitable for daily use.

Q5: Can it be used in toothpaste?

A5: Yes, it is safe and effective in oral care applications.