What Is Disodium Lauroyl Glutamate?
Disodium Lauroyl Glutamate is a mild surfactant made from lauric acid, a fatty acid found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, combined with the amino acid glutamic acid. The result is a salt with a gentle cleansing profile that suits skin and hair care. It first appeared in Japanese personal care labs in the late 1980s when formulators looked for alternatives to harsher sulfates. Production starts with fermenting sugar to create glutamic acid, reacting it with lauric acid to form lauroyl glutamic acid, then neutralizing the mixture with sodium hydroxide to yield the disodium salt. Thanks to its low irritation potential it has made its way into face cleansers, micellar waters, sulfate-free shampoos, baby washes, shaving foams, gel and cream facial masks and lightweight moisturizers.
Disodium Lauroyl Glutamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multi-tasking ingredient contributes several valuable roles in a formula.
- Cleansing: Lifts away dirt, excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural lipid barrier, leaving a soft after-feel
- Hair Conditioning: Deposits a thin conditioning film on hair strands that improves manageability and reduces static for smoother comb-through
- Skin Conditioning: Helps the skin feel supple and hydrated after rinsing so products feel less drying
Who Can Use Disodium Lauroyl Glutamate
This mild surfactant is generally well suited to all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive skin because it cleanses without stripping natural moisture. Very reactive or allergy-prone skin may still prefer to proceed cautiously, as with any cleansing agent.
The ingredient comes from plant sources like coconut or palm along with fermented sugar so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on products at typical cosmetic levels. Still, this is not medical advice and pregnant or nursing individuals should review any skincare routine with their doctor.
Disodium Lauroyl Glutamate does not increase photosensitivity, making it suitable for daytime use without adding sun-related risk. It is also gentle enough for color-treated hair and works in low-foam formulas favored by curly hair routines.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Disodium Lauroyl Glutamate vary from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that remain uncommon in well-formulated products.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or tightness
- Stinging or burning on very compromised skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Disodium Lauroyl Glutamate is a small water-soluble salt that fully dissolves and rinses off, so it does not sit in pores or leave an occlusive film that could trap sebum and debris. Its mild, amino-acid-derived structure also lacks the long, waxy chains typically linked to pore clogging. For these reasons it earns a 0 on the comedogenic scale.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
The rating refers to the pure ingredient; if it appears in a formula loaded with heavy oils or butters the overall product could still feel greasy or be pore clogging.
Summary
Disodium Lauroyl Glutamate acts as a gentle cleanser, skin conditioner and hair conditioner. As an anionic surfactant it forms soft micelles that lift away dirt and oil while its amino acid backbone helps leave behind a hydrated, conditioned feel on skin and hair.
The ingredient is gaining popularity in sulfate-free face washes, baby cleansers and low-foam shampoos yet it is still less common than mainstream sulfates or betaines outside Asia.
Current data show it is low-irritation, non-sensitizing and safe at typical cosmetic levels. As with any new product patch test first to be on the safe side.