What Is Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate?
Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate is a mild surfactant created by combining lauric acid from coconut or palm kernel oil with a hydroxyethylated derivative of the amino acid beta-alanine. The result is a water-soluble powder or liquid that carries a negative charge when dissolved, allowing it to lift away dirt and oil from skin and hair.
The ingredient emerged in the late 1990s as formulators searched for skin-friendly alternatives to harsher sulfates. By reacting natural fatty acids with beta-alanine in a controlled, pH-adjusted environment, chemists developed a surfactant that produces dense creamy foam while remaining gentle on the skin barrier. The process involves neutralizing the resulting amino acid surfactant with sodium hydroxide to form the final sodium salt.
You’ll most often see Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoo, shaving creams, bubble baths, micellar waters and some low-foaming facial masks. Its ability to cleanse without stripping makes it popular in products marketed for sensitive or dry skin.
Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient is valued for the way it improves both performance and sensory feel in wash-off formulas.
- Cleansing: Breaks up oils, makeup and daily grime so they rinse away easily leaving skin and hair fresh without tightness
- Foaming: Generates a rich stable lather that consumers associate with effective cleaning which can enhance the user experience and help products spread evenly
Who Can Use Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate
Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate is gentle enough for most skin types, including sensitive, dry, normal and combination skin. Oily or acne-prone skin can also benefit from its effective yet mild cleansing action without the risk of pore clogging.
The ingredient is plant derived from coconut or palm kernel oil and an amino acid, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as it contains no animal by-products or animal testing requirements beyond those mandated by regulation.
Current safety data show no specific issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should have a doctor review any skincare product they plan to use just to be safe.
Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate does not increase photosensitivity and can be used day or night without changing your sun protection routine.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate vary from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation – may present as temporary redness or stinging, usually with overuse or in very high concentrations
- Dryness or tightness – can occur if the cleanser is left on too long or paired with other stripping ingredients
- Eye irritation – accidental contact can cause watering or discomfort until rinsed away
- Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible in individuals with specific sensitivities to surfactants
If you notice any of these effects discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0
Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate is entirely water-soluble and rinses off cleanly so it cannot linger in pores to cause blockages. Its molecular structure is designed to surround oils then wash away with water leaving little to no residue that could lead to comedones.
This makes the ingredient suitable for those prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any cleanser the overall formula matters; heavy emollients or occlusive agents added by the brand could still trigger congestion so keep an eye on the full ingredient list.
Summary
Sodium Lauroyl Hydroxyethyl Beta-Alaninate primarily acts as a gentle cleanser and foam booster. Its amphiphilic nature lets one end of the molecule grip oil while the other bonds with water lifting away impurities and creating a creamy lather that feels pleasant without stripping skin or hair.
It has grown in popularity as consumers look for sulfate-free options yet it remains less common than classics like coco-glucoside or decyl glucoside due to higher raw material cost. Still more brands targeting sensitive skin are adding it to their face washes and shampoos for its mild touch and rich foam.
Current research and global regulatory reviews consider the ingredient low risk with minimal irritation potential when used as directed. As with any new product it is wise to perform a quick patch test to ensure personal compatibility before full use.