Glyceryl Laurate

Glyceryl Laurate at a Glance

• Versatile emollient and emulsifier in cosmetics
• Offers gentle cleansing properties
• Helps stabilize and preserve emulsions
• Often plant-derived but may also be synthetic

Glyceryl Laurate Description

Glyceryl laurate is the single ester made from glycerin and the coconut-derived fatty acid lauric acid. It may be plant-derived or lab-made. In cosmetics, glyceryl laurate has emollient, emulsifying, and mild preservative properties. It also has cleansing properties for skin, but is chemically considered an amphoteric surfactant, which puts it among the gentlest options.

This versatile ingredient is soluble in oils and solvents, making it a useful addition to many types of cosmetics.

Usage levels of glyceryl laurate in cosmetics is typically 0.1–5%, depending on formulary needs. Amounts from 20–100% have been shown to provoke skin irritation; however, these amounts are well above what’s used in cosmetics.

Glyceryl Laurate References