What Is Laurimino Bispropanediol?
Laurimino Bispropanediol, also known by its chemical name 3,3′-(Dodecylimino)bispropane-1,2-diol, is a lab-crafted ingredient made by joining a twelve-carbon fatty chain (lauryl) with a bispropanediol backbone. The fatty part comes from plant-derived lauric acid, often sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil, while the diol portion is built from propylene glycol. Chemists react these building blocks under controlled heat and pH to create a stable molecule that mixes the cleansing power of fatty acids with the moisture-binding ability of glycols.
First explored in the early 2000s as a mild alternative to harsher surfactants, Laurimino Bispropanediol gained traction when formulators noticed it could clean skin and hair without stripping them dry. Over time it found a spot in sulfate-free shampoos and gentle facial cleansers, then moved into multi-use products where both cleansing and emulsifying are valuable.
Today you will see it listed on ingredient labels for facial washes, micellar waters, makeup removers, shower gels, scalp scrubs, cream cleansers, sheet masks and lightweight moisturizers that need self-emulsifying properties.
Laurimino Bispropanediol’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient pulls double duty in a formula, giving brands flexibility while keeping routines simple for users.
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature loosens dirt, oil and product buildup so they rinse away with water leaving skin or hair feeling fresh yet comfortable.
- Emulsifying: Helps oil and water mix smoothly which improves texture, keeps formulas stable and allows active ingredients to spread evenly across the skin.
Thanks to its gentle nature Laurimino Bispropanediol suits most skin types, including oily, dry, combination and sensitive. It cleans without over stripping and helps hold moisture so even easily irritated skin often tolerates it well. Those with very reactive or allergy-prone skin may still want to monitor how they feel when first using products that contain it.
The raw materials come from plant oils and synthetic glycols, with no animal-derived parts, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. Many brands also manufacture it without animal testing but you should still check the finished product’s cruelty-free status if that is important to you.
Current data shows no specific risks for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when using cosmetics that include this ingredient at normal levels. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should have a chat with their doctor before adding new skincare just to be safe.
Laurimino Bispropanediol does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so extra sun avoidance measures are not needed beyond a regular broad-spectrum SPF habit.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to any topical ingredient can differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but uncommon when the ingredient is used at proper cosmetic levels.
- Mild skin irritation
- Temporary redness or itching in very sensitive individuals
- Stinging if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in people allergic to similar fatty amines or glycols
If you experience any of these issues stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Laurimino Bispropanediol has a long fatty chain that could, in theory, clog pores, but its two diol groups keep the molecule highly water friendly so it rinses off rather than hanging around in follicles. Formulas usually use it at low percentages alongside other surfactants, which further lowers any pore-blocking risk.
Because of this low score the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
As with most cleansing agents, the finished product’s full recipe and how thoroughly it is rinsed matter more for breakouts than the presence of this single ingredient.
Summary
Laurimino Bispropanediol is mainly valued for two jobs: lifting away oil and debris as a mild cleanser and keeping oil and water blended as an emulsifier. Its lauryl tail grabs onto grime while the diol head loves water, which lets the dirt wash down the drain without stripping skin or hair.
It shows up in sulfate-free shampoos, micellar waters and cream cleansers, but it is still a niche pick compared with workhorse surfactants like coco-glucoside or sodium cocoyl isethionate. Brands that emphasize gentle cleansing or multitasking formulas are the ones most likely to feature it.
Current research points to a strong safety profile with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. Still, every skin is different so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains Laurimino Bispropanediol before fully adding it to your routine.