What Is Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine?
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine is a lab made ingredient that starts with glutamic acid, a naturally occurring amino acid. Chemists link this amino acid to two lauric acid chains from coconut or palm oil, then bond the result with lysine and finally convert it to its sodium salt. The finished molecule has a water loving head and oil loving tails, giving it a strong attraction to moisture. First explored in the late 1990s as part of research on skin identical lipids, it gained popularity when Korean and Japanese skin care brands looked for gentle hydrators that mimic the skin’s own building blocks. Production happens in a controlled reactor where each fatty acid and amino acid step is added in sequence, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide, filtration and drying into a fine white powder. Today you will find Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine in lightweight gel creams, sheet masks, hydrating serums, after sun lotions, anti aging eye treatments and some long wear makeup primers where keeping water in the skin is key.
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient acts as a humectant, meaning it attracts water from the environment and from deeper skin layers to the surface. This helps boost immediate moisture levels, plumps the look of fine lines and keeps products feeling fresh and non greasy.
Who Can Use Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine
This humectant is generally welcomed by all skin types. Dry and mature skin benefit most from its moisture pulling talent while normal and combination skin enjoy the lightweight feel. Oily and acne prone complexions usually tolerate it well because it does not add extra oil or clog pores. Only those with extremely reactive or allergy prone skin should proceed with a little caution, as any new ingredient can be a trigger for a minority of users.
The molecule is made from plant sourced fatty acids and lab made amino acids so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products or animal testing are required for its production when sourced from reputable suppliers.
Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women at the low concentrations used in cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is minimal and the ingredient is not known to interfere with hormones. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show their doctor any skincare product they plan to use just to be safe.
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and can be used in both day and night routines without altering your usual SPF habits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine can vary from person to person. The points below describe potential issues that could occur yet they remain uncommon for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Mild redness or irritation
- Transient stinging or tingling on very compromised skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to coconut or palm derived compounds
- Feeling of temporary tightness in extremely low humidity environments where water loss can exceed water attraction
Should you experience any of the above, stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine is water soluble, lightweight and leaves no oily film that could block pores. Its molecular structure pulls water to the skin rather than sitting inside pores, so it carries virtually no risk of forming comedones. This makes it a safe choice for people who struggle with acne or frequent breakouts.
Keep in mind the overall formula still matters. If the product pairs this humectant with heavy plant butters or waxes the final result could still be pore clogging even though this single ingredient is not.
Summary
Sodium Dilauramidoglutamide Lysine is a plant sourced humectant that draws moisture to the skin surface, boosts hydration levels and helps smooth fine lines without adding grease. It does this by using its water loving head to bind moisture while its fatty tails anchor the molecule within the formula and on the skin.
Although not a household name it has earned steady popularity in Korean and Japanese skincare and is gradually appearing in Western gel creams, sheet masks and primers that aim for a lightweight feel.
Safety data shows it is gentle, non irritating and non comedogenic at the low percentages used in cosmetics. As with any new skincare product you should still do a quick patch test when trying something that contains this ingredient to be sure it suits your individual skin.