What Is Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate?
Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate is a plant-derived surfactant and conditioner created by linking lauric acid from coconut or palm oil with glutamic acid, an amino acid often sourced from sugar fermentation, then attaching two short chains of ethoxylated stearyl alcohol. The result is a mild, partly water-soluble molecule that loves both water and oils, which makes it useful in personal care formulas.
The ingredient emerged in the early 2000s when formulators wanted gentler alternatives to sulfates for cleansing and conditioning. By adjusting the length of the ethoxy (EO) chains, chemists reached the “2” version that balances rinse-off ease with a soft feel on skin and hair.
Manufacturing involves three main steps: first the lauric acid is converted to lauroyl chloride, which reacts with glutamic acid to form lauroyl glutamate; next stearyl alcohol undergoes limited ethoxylation to add two EO units; finally the two parts are joined through esterification yielding Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate.
You will spot it in gentle shampoos, creamy conditioners, micellar cleansers, facial washes, hydrating body washes, leave-in hair treatments and lightweight lotions where a silky after-feel is desired.
Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how this multitasking ingredient improves everyday beauty products:
- Hair conditioning – deposits a thin lubricating layer that smooths cuticles, reduces static and boosts softness without heavy buildup
- Emollient – helps skin feel supple by filling in microscopic cracks on the surface, giving formulas a creamy glide
- Cleansing – acts as a mild surfactant that lifts away dirt, oil and residue while maintaining the skin and scalp’s natural moisture balance
Who Can Use Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate
This gentle surfactant works for nearly every skin type including normal, sensitive, oily, dry and combination skin thanks to its mild cleansing action and light conditioning feel. People with known allergies to coconut, palm oil derivatives or amino acid surfactants should proceed with caution as the ingredient is sourced from those materials.
Because it is produced from plant based fatty acids and fermented sugar glutamic acid, Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal derived substances or animal testing are required for its manufacture.
The compound is not listed as a reproductive hazard and absorbs only minimally through intact skin, so products containing it are generally viewed as safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified medical professional to be safe.
Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also color safe for treated hair and compatible with most other common skincare and haircare ingredients.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate vary from person to person. The issues listed below are only potential reactions and are not likely to occur for most users when the ingredient is properly formulated in a product.
- Mild eye irritation if the cleanser or shampoo enters the eyes
- Occasional skin redness or itching in people with very sensitive or compromised skin barriers
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to coconut, palm or glutamate based surfactants
- Dryness or tightness if used at very high concentration without complementary moisturizers
If you experience any uncomfortable reaction discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate has a low molecular weight that allows it to rinse off easily, and its partial water solubility prevents it from forming a heavy occlusive film that could trap oil or debris in pores. Formulas typically include it at modest levels to provide slip and mild cleansing rather than rich, pore-clogging emolliency. This makes it unlikely to provoke blackheads or whiteheads for most users.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
Like many surfactant-conditioners, its comedogenic potential can rise if paired with heavy plant butters or waxes, so the overall product formula matters more than the ingredient alone.
Summary
Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate cleanses, conditions hair and softens skin by combining a coconut-derived fatty acid with glutamic acid and short ethoxylated stearyl chains. The fatty portion loosens oil and smooths cuticles while the glutamate head enjoys water, helping the ingredient lift grime then rinse away without stripping. Its dual nature leaves a silky finish on both skin and hair.
Though not a household name, it is gaining steady popularity in sulfate-free shampoos, micellar waters, body washes and lightweight lotions because formulators appreciate its gentle profile and eco-friendly sourcing.
Current safety data show low irritation risk, minimal absorption and no links to hormonal disruption. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test a new product containing Disteareth-2 Lauroyl Glutamate before full use.