Ingredient

Lauric Acid

Low risk

Also known asdodecanoic acid, n-dodecanoic acid, CAS 143-07-7

FunctionFatty acid

What it is — Lauric Acid (dodecanoic acid, CAS 143-07-7) is a twelve-carbon saturated fatty acid and the main fatty acid in coconut and palm kernel oil. In a formula it is usually partly neutralised to form a soap-like surfactant.

What it does — It cleans, builds a creamy foam, thickens and helps stabilise the emulsion. In a colour shampoo it is part of what lets the product wash out while the dye develops, and it contributes to the rich lather the format is known for.

Typical use — Shampoos, cleansing bars, shaving creams and colour shampoos. In the GDS Hair Dye Shampoo it is declared in the Brown and Dark Brown formulas.

Who it suits / good to know — Suits normal to oily hair. Fatty-acid soaps can feel slightly drying on very dry or curly hair, which is one reason conditioning agents are paired with it in the same formula. It is not a sulfate.

Safety — The US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has assessed lauric acid and related fatty acids as safe in cosmetics, and it is not restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation. It is not a sensitiser; rinse well and keep out of the eyes, as with any cleanser. This is general information, not medical advice.

Why we grade it Low: Low risk — a common food-derived fatty acid that the CIR has assessed as safe in cosmetics; can be mildly drying in high-foam cleansers but is not a sensitiser.
Cross-reference

Found in these DHALIORA products

Found in 0 DHALIORA products

Not currently in any DHALIORA product.

How grades are set — Risk reflects our own reading of publicly available safety data, an EWG-style reading shown at the worst-case grade we've assigned this ingredient across products. It isn't a third party's proprietary score, and it isn't medical advice. Always read the packaging and patch-test where indicated.
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