What Is Sodium/Tea-Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Sodium/Tea-Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is a specialty ingredient made by joining lauric acid, a fatty acid commonly found in coconut oil, with collagen that has been broken down into smaller peptides. The chemical reaction turns the mix into salts of sodium and triethanolamine, giving the final material a gentle, skin-friendly character. Collagen itself has long been prized for its ability to attract and hold water, and the lauric part adds a cleansing touch. The blend first appeared in haircare labs in the late 1990s when formulators looked for milder surfactants that could also care for skin and hair. Today, the ingredient is produced in controlled reactors where hydrolyzed collagen is treated with lauric acid chloride, then neutralized with sodium and TEA to form a stable, water-soluble powder or paste.
You will spot Sodium/Tea-Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Collagen in shampoos, conditioners, leave-in sprays, facial cleansers, sheet masks, light moisturizers and anti-aging serums that promise softness without stripping natural oils.
Sodium/Tea-Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Collagen’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking raw material improves both how a product works and how it feels on skin and hair.
- Antistatic: Helps keep hair fibers from clinging to each other or flying away, leading to smoother styling and reduced frizz
- Cleansing: Gently lifts dirt, oil and product buildup while being milder than many traditional sulfates which cuts down on dryness
- Hair Conditioning: Deposits small collagen peptides that coat strands, making them feel softer and look shinier
- Skin Conditioning: Forms a light film on the skin surface to lock in moisture giving a supple, hydrated finish
Who Can Use Sodium/Tea-Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
This ingredient is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, normal or oily skin, because it cleans without stripping and leaves a light moisturizing film. People with very sensitive or allergy-prone skin may still want to be cautious since the collagen part is a protein that could trigger irritation in rare cases.
Because the collagen usually comes from animal sources such as fish or bovine hide, Sodium/Tea-Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is not suitable for vegans or strict vegetarians. Those following a plant-based lifestyle may wish to reach for formulas that use plant proteins instead.
No research shows that topical use poses special risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare provider before adding new products to their routine.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no added risk of photosensitivity. It is also compatible with most other common cosmetic ingredients making it easy to slot into layered routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium/Tea-Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Collagen vary from person to person. The points below cover potential side effects that could occur though most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at normal levels in well-formulated products.
- Skin irritation such as mild redness or stinging in people with very sensitive skin
- Allergic reaction in individuals who are allergic to fish bovine or other animal proteins
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Scalp or hair buildup leading to a heavy feel when used in very rich leave-in formulas without proper rinsing
If any unwanted reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (very low)
Sodium/Tea-Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Collagen dissolves readily in water and leaves only a thin protein film rather than an oily residue. Although lauric acid on its own can be pore clogging, converting it into a highly water-soluble salt removes most of the fatty character that would normally linger on skin. Its primary use in rinse-off shampoos and cleansers also limits contact time, keeping the chance of blocked pores minimal.
Suitable for people prone to acne and breakouts.
As with any formula, richer leave-in creams that pair this ingredient with heavy oils could still feel occlusive on very oily skin, but the collagen salt itself remains low risk.
Summary
Sodium/Tea-Lauroyl Hydrolyzed Collagen cleanses, conditions hair, reduces static and lightly hydrates skin by combining small collagen peptides with a gentle lauric acid–based surfactant. The peptide portion grabs and holds moisture while the lauric salt lifts away dirt and oil without stripping, leaving hair smoother and skin soft.
It shows up most often in mid-range to premium shampoos, conditioners and a handful of facial washes, so it is moderately popular rather than a mainstream staple.
Current safety data rate it as low irritation and low comedogenicity when used at typical cosmetic levels. Still, skin chemistry is personal so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this collagen derivative before full use.