What Is Tea-Lauroyl Lactylate?
Tea-Lauroyl Lactylate is a mild surfactant created by combining lauric acid found in coconut or palm kernel oil with lactic acid produced through the fermentation of sugars, then neutralizing the resulting ester with triethanolamine. The finished material is a salt that appears as an off-white waxy solid or thick liquid that dissolves easily in warm water or alcohol.
The ingredient first gained popularity in the late 1970s when formulators began looking for gentler, more skin-friendly alternatives to traditional sulfated surfactants. Because it is partly derived from renewable plant sources and lactic acid commonly used in food, it fit the growing demand for naturally leaning ingredients.
Manufacturing starts with esterifying lauric acid with lactic acid under controlled heat and vacuum to drive off water. The ester is then reacted with triethanolamine, adjusted to the desired pH and purified. The result is a multifunctional ingredient that can act as both a cleanser and an emulsifier.
You will see Tea-Lauroyl Lactylate in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, baby washes, makeup removers, moisturizers, lightweight creams, sun care products, sheet masks and gentle exfoliating scrubs where it contributes to a creamy yet low-foam feel.
Tea-Lauroyl Lactylate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In formulas this ingredient delivers two key benefits that improve both product performance and sensory experience.
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant action lifts away oil, sweat and makeup without stripping the skin barrier which makes it ideal for daily-use washes and micellar products
- Emulsifying: It helps oil and water blend into a stable cream or lotion, giving products a smooth texture and preventing separation over time
Who Can Use Tea-Lauroyl Lactylate
Thanks to its gentle nature Tea-Lauroyl Lactylate suits almost every skin type including dry, oily, sensitive and combination skin. It cleans without the harshness that can leave delicate skin feeling tight so even people prone to redness often tolerate it well. There are no known concerns for acne-prone skin either because it rinses clean and does not leave an occlusive film.
The ingredient is typically made from plant sourced lauric acid and sugar-derived lactic acid then neutralized with synthetic triethanolamine. Because no animal-derived matter is involved it is considered appropriate for both vegetarians and vegans provided the finished product as a whole meets their standards.
Current safety data shows no problems for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in a rinse-off or leave-on cosmetic. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a qualified health professional before adding new products to their routine just to be safe.
Tea-Lauroyl Lactylate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun so no extra sun precautions are needed beyond daily SPF use. It also plays well with common actives such as vitamin C, niacinamide and retinoids and does not interfere with their stability.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from one person to another. The effects listed below are possible outcomes but they are uncommon for most users when the product is well formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching in very sensitive individuals
- Transient stinging if applied to broken or freshly exfoliated skin
- Eye irritation or watering if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis for those with a specific sensitivity to lauric or lactic acid derivatives
If any irritation or discomfort develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Tea-Lauroyl Lactylate is a lightweight salt that dissolves readily in water and does not linger on the skin, so it has little chance of blocking pores. It also lacks the heavy oils or waxes that usually raise comedogenic scores. For these reasons its rating sits at a low 1.
That means the ingredient is generally considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
Most formulas use it at modest levels, often in rinse-off products, which further minimizes any pore-clogging risk.
Summary
Tea-Lauroyl Lactylate works mainly as a mild cleanser and an emulsifier. Its surfactant side loosens dirt, oil and makeup without stripping while its emulsifying side keeps water and oil mixed so lotions stay smooth.
Although not as famous as sulfate surfactants or classic emulsifiers, it shows up in a steady number of gentle cleansers, baby washes, micellar waters and lightweight creams where brands want a softer feel and a plant-leaning story.
Current research and decades of use point to a strong safety profile with only rare reports of irritation or allergy. Still, skin can react in its own way, so it is smart to patch test any new product that contains this ingredient before full-face use.