What Is Lauroylglycine Lysinate?
Lauroylglycine Lysinate is a gentle surfactant created by linking lauric acid, the fatty acid obtained from coconut or palm kernel oil, with the amino acids glycine and L-lysine. The result is an amphiphilic molecule that carries both water-loving and oil-loving parts, allowing it to interact with skin debris and rinse it away easily. First explored in the 1990s as chemists searched for milder cleansers to replace harsh sulfates, it soon appeared in Japanese and European skin care where low-irritation formulas are highly valued.
Manufacturing begins with lauric acid that is converted to lauroyl chloride, then reacted with glycine to form lauroylglycine. This intermediate is neutralized with the basic amino acid L-lysine to create the final salt, Lauroylglycine Lysinate. The process yields a biodegradable powder or flake that dissolves readily in water.
You will most often see Lauroylglycine Lysinate in foaming facial cleansers, micellar waters, shower gels, baby washes, cream cleansers, clay masks and even sulfate-free shampoos. Because it is derived from natural oils and amino acids, brands position it in formulas aimed at sensitive skin, daily use or eco-friendly claims.
Lauroylglycine Lysinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient serves more than one purpose in a formulation, making it a versatile choice for product developers.
- Cleansing – As a mild surfactant it lowers surface tension so water can mix with oil and dirt, lifting impurities from skin or hair without stripping natural moisture. The amino acid backbone helps keep the cleanser gentle and reduces the risk of tightness after rinsing.
- Solvent – It helps dissolve other active ingredients and fragrance oils, ensuring a uniform mixture and stable texture. This allows formulators to reduce harsher solvents and still achieve clear easy-to-spread products.
Who Can Use Lauroylglycine Lysinate
Because it is a mild amino acid surfactant, Lauroylglycine Lysinate suits most skin types including dry, normal, combination, oily and sensitive skin. Its gentle cleansing action helps keep the skin barrier intact, so even easily irritated complexions generally tolerate it well. There are no specific skin types that should avoid it, though individuals who react to coconut-derived ingredients may prefer caution.
The molecule is produced from plant oils and fermented amino acids rather than animal sources, so it is typically considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. As always formulation differences exist, so strict vegans may wish to confirm the full supply chain with the brand.
Current safety data show no issues for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used topically in rinse-off or leave-on products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss any skincare routine with a healthcare professional to be certain it aligns with personal medical needs.
Lauroylglycine Lysinate does not increase photosensitivity and has no known interactions with sun exposure. Its mildness also makes it suitable for use in baby care products and around the delicate eye area when properly formulated.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Lauroylglycine Lysinate vary from person to person. The following is a list of potential side effects that may occur even though most users experience none of them when the ingredient is correctly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin redness or irritation in very sensitive individuals
- Transient stinging or tingling if applied to broken or compromised skin
- Dryness or tightness when used in high concentrations or in formulas lacking moisturizers
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of specific ingredient sensitivity
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally enters the eyes
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – Lauroylglycine Lysinate is an amino acid based surfactant that rinses away completely and has no oily residues, so it is very unlikely to clog pores. Its molecular size is moderate and it is highly water soluble, two features that keep it from lingering inside follicles. Only if the final product combines it with heavy occlusives could pore blockage become a concern.
Therefore this ingredient is generally suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any cleansing agent, overall formulation matters; rich creams or balms using it alongside waxes or butters may behave differently than clear gels.
Summary
Lauroylglycine Lysinate works mainly as a gentle cleanser and secondary solvent. By carrying both water loving and oil loving parts, it binds dirt and sebum then lifts them away when you rinse. Its amino acid backbone lets it cleanse without stripping so skin feels comfortable after use.
While not as famous as sulfates or classic coco betaine, it is quietly gaining popularity in mild face washes baby products and sulfate free shampoos because consumers are asking for kinder surfactants.
Current research shows it is low risk for irritation, non sensitizing, biodegradable and suitable for virtually all skin types. Still, skin is individual so patch testing any new product that contains Lauroylglycine Lysinate is a smart precaution.