Ingredient
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
What is Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate?
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is a surfactant and cleansing agent made from lard or coconut oil and sarcosine, a naturally occurring amino acid found in the human body. It is created via the reaction between lauroyl chloride (from coconut or palm kernel oil) and the amino acid sarcosine.
It is widely used in personal care products and cosmetics for its ability to gently cleanse the skin and hair without causing irritation. It produces foam and helps to improve the texture and feel of the products. Studies on its health effects are limited but it is generally considered safe based on current evidence.
Despite its widespread use, people with very sensitive skin might still experience mild irritation. As with any ingredient, it's important to consider individual skin sensitivity when choosing products.
Commonly found in: Skin Care, Toothpaste, Hair Care, Body Care
What to watch
- May cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Benefits
- Offers gentle cleansing properties without stripping natural oils from the skin.
The FDA considers it safe for use in cosmetics as long as it follows specific safety guidelines.
Research suggests it is generally safe, although mild skin irritation has been reported in sensitive cases.
Its vegan status depends on the source of lauric acid; coconut-derived is vegan, whereas animal-derived is not.
Scout's take
Sarcosine-derived surfactant; N-nitrosamine contamination risk when stacked with the secondary amines in this formula (Cocamidopropylamine Oxide). EWG 3-4.
The case against
May cause mild irritation in very sensitive skin types.
from the analysis of Native Body Wash Sea Salt & Cedar Sulfate Free for Women & MenThe case for
Provides effective cleansing while being gentle on the skin.
from the analysis of Native Body Wash Sea Salt & Cedar Sulfate Free for Women & MenMore from Scout's analyses
Harsher surfactant — nitrosamine-formation concern.
from the analysis of Native Shea Butter & Almond Scent Body WashSarcosine-derived surfactant. Generally gentle, but when stacked with secondary amines (e.g. cocamidopropyl betaine in this formula) carries a documented risk of N-nitrosamine contamination, a class of compounds with carcinogenic potential. EWG 3-4.
from the analysis of Native Coconut & Vanilla Moisturizing ShampooAnionic surfactant that can form trace nitrosamines (NDELA) during manufacture or storage when combined with nitrosating agents — a concern flagged by the IARC as probable human carcinogens.
from the analysis of CeraVe Foaming Facial CleanserFound in 7 products
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