What it is
Octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate is an ester derived from glutamic acid (an amino acid), lauric acid, and the branched fatty alcohol octyldodecanol. In cosmetics it functions as an emollient that conditions the skin and improves spreadability and feel. It is valued for giving a smooth, non-greasy slip and is used to help disperse pigments and UV filters.
Safety & warnings
Amino-acid-based esters of this type are generally mild and well tolerated emollients. Overall tolerability depends on the finished formulation.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic, derived from natural building blocks. It is made by combining glutamic acid, lauric acid, and octyldodecanol into an amino-acid-based ester.
Questions everyone asks
What is octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate?
It is an amino-acid-derived ester used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient in cosmetics.
Why is it used in sunscreens?
It improves spreadability and feel and helps disperse pigments and UV filters for a smooth, non-greasy texture.