Description

What is Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate?

Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate (INCI: Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate; CAS 29923-31-7) is an extremely mild, amino-acid-based anionic surfactant widely regarded as the “gold standard” of mildness in personal-care cleansing. It is produced by acylating glutamic acid, an amino acid naturally present in the skin, with lauric acid from vegetable oils, and is available as a high-activity white powder (90%) or a ready-to-use liquid (25%). Its structure is highly compatible with the physiology of the skin, enabling effective removal of sebum, dirt and sunscreen with minimal disruption to the barrier, very low irritation and no allergic response. Combined with rich, stable foam, hard-water resistance and ready biodegradability, it is the preferred primary or co-surfactant for premium facial cleansers, baby care and sensitive-skin formulations

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Key Benefits

• Benchmark mildness: extremely low irritation to skin and eyes, non-allergenic and non-comedogenic; it reduces the irritation and residue of SLS, fatty-acid soaps and other anionics.
• Rich, creamy, stable foam: builds dense, long-lasting lather with a luxurious, cushiony feel and keeps foaming well in hard water.
• Skin-compatible: derived from glutamic acid found naturally in the skin; pH-balanced, it leaves the skin supple and comfortable rather than tight or dry.
• Natural and biodegradable: made from vegetable fatty acids and amino acids, with good biodegradability and a strong environmental profile.
• Two convenient forms: powder (90%) for flexible, high-activity dosing and syndet bars; liquid (25%) for fast, cold-processable production.
• Broad compatibility: works as a primary or secondary surfactant alongside anionic, amphoteric and nonionic systems.

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Applications

• Facial care: luxury foaming cleansers, cleansing creams and foams, micellar waters and gentle makeup removers, including eye-area products.
• Baby and sensitive care: mild baby shampoos and washes, infant bubble baths and products for reactive or delicate skin.
• Hair care: premium and mild shampoos, cream shampoos, conditioners and scalp-care products that cleanse gently and leave hair soft.
• Body care: shower gels and creams, body washes, foam baths, liquid and hand soaps, soft syndet bars and shaving creams.
• Other formats: toothpaste, mouthwash, wet wipes and solid cleansers.

Typical use level: 5–30% in rinse-off products; the liquid grade supports cold processing, while the powder suits soap-based combinations and solid formats.

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FAQ

Q1: Why is it called the gold standard of mildness? A1: Because it is built from glutamic acid, an amino acid native to the skin, it cleanses effectively with exceptionally low irritation to skin and eyes — the reference point for mild amino-acid surfactants.

Q2: Should I choose the powder or the liquid? A2: The 90% powder offers high active content, flexible dosing and suitability for bars; the 25% liquid is ready to use and cold-processable. We can help you select the right grade.

Q3: Can it replace SLS or soap in formulations? A3: Yes — it reduces the irritation and leftover residue of SLS and fatty-acid soaps while maintaining rich foam and effective cleansing.