What it is
Sodium lauroyl glutamate is an anionic surfactant formed by combining the amino acid glutamic acid with lauric acid and neutralizing it as the sodium salt. It is prized as a mild, biodegradable surfactant that cleanses and helps emulsify while being gentler than many sulfate surfactants. In sunscreens it can serve as an emulsifier or dispersing aid.
Safety & warnings
Sodium lauroyl glutamate is regarded as one of the milder anionic surfactants and is generally well tolerated, with low irritation potential at typical use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Made by reacting glutamic acid with lauric acid; both building blocks are commonly sourced from plant materials, so it is often described as plant-derived.
History
Amino-acid-based surfactants of this type were developed and popularized notably in Japan as gentle alternatives to harsher anionic surfactants.
Questions everyone asks
Is sodium lauroyl glutamate gentle?
Yes. It is an amino-acid-derived surfactant considered milder than many sulfate surfactants, with low irritation potential at normal use levels.
What is it derived from?
It is made from glutamic acid and lauric acid, which are commonly sourced from plant materials, so it is often described as plant-derived.