What is Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate? Uses for Skin and Face

We all dream of soft, smooth, well-nourished skin. In this quest, we often grab skin care products now and then. But have you ever thought what makes your skin care and hair care routine fruitful? It's not adding up a pile of skincare things to put on every day. It only needs the right skin care products, and yes, with the best-suited ingredients. The secret to supple, nurtured skin purely lies in the invisible chemistry of the ingredient list. Out of many multi-tasking heroes in skin care, one is Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate. It contains a unique ingredient, Lactylate, which has a natural affinity for the skin's structure. In its raw form, it is usually a white or off-white powder or a waxy solid paste.

Derived from natural sources like coconut and palm, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a plant-based ingredient and acts as an emulsifier and surfactant. It is gaining massive popularity with every passing day in many skin and haircare products, as it doesn't just hydrate your skin. It acts as a channel for vital nutrients to penetrate deeper into your skin for lasting results.   Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate in skin care is highly effective without the side effect of harshness associated with traditional sulfates. Mild, effective, suitable for both dry and sensitive skin, let's explore Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, a holy grail for everyday skincare. Furthermore, the Independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has listed Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate (SLL) safe for cosmetic use (0.5%–5%).

Key Properties of Lactylate in Skincare

With a wide use in modern skincare, Lactylate is multifunctional. They are FDA-approved organic compounds. Natural by combining lactic acid with fatty acids. Acting as an ideal ingredient in skincare. One of the key properties of Lactylate is its mild cleansing action. This property removes impurities from the skin without affecting the moisture level. Another useful property of Lactylate is its emulsifying ability, enabling oil- and water-based ingredients to blend smoothly. This function helps in the creation of stable and well-balanced formulations. Hence, Lactylate is a useful ingredient in creams, lotions, and cleansers.  

Lactylate also has a conditioning property. It is responsible for the foam that gives you a soothing and sensory experience in many shampoos, body washes, and cleansers. Overall, it is a valuable ingredient in skincare, with a balance of gentleness and versatility. That is why the selection of the right skin care ingredients is a top-notch priority in enhancing the overall health of the skin.

Differences Between Sodium Lauroyl and Lauroyl Components

While the names might look the same, the breakdown of Sodium Lauroyl and Lauroyl components can help understand their roles clearly. In chemical naming, the term Lauroyl refers to derivatives of Lauric acid, while Sodium Lauroyl, a specific salt or surfactant created from it. To get it clear, think of the component Lauroyl as the engine and the Sodium Lauroyl as the complete car.

Distinct Roles of Sodium Lauroyl, Lauroyl, and Lauroyl Lactylate:

In skincare formulations, Sodium Lauroyl, Lauroyl, and Lauroyl Lactylate each play distinct but complementary roles.

• Sodium Lauroyl is a water-soluble anionic surfactant. It functions mainly as a cleansing agent. It also provides the rich foam to cleansers, shampoos, and body washes.
• Lauroyl is the fatty acyl group derived from Lauric acid. Along with providing structural support to the skin and its barrier, it also helps the oils and active ingredients integrate smoothly.  
• Lauroyl Lactylate is formed from Lauric acid (coconut) and Lactic acid (milk). It bridges oil and water phases in a formulation, enhancing stability and improving the overall texture and mildness of the product. Together, these three ingredients make a balanced formulation in many skin care products.

Role of Lauroyl Lactylate in Formulations

In formulations, Lauroyl Lactylate is often found as Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate. This component also has useful functioning abilities when it comes to hair or skin care. Here is a detailed description of Lauroyl Lactylate and its multi-faceted role:

• The main role of SLL is to act as a bridge in blending oil and water-based ingredients, which naturally does not happen. Hence, its primary role is as a Stabiliser and emulsifier, giving creams and lotions a stable and uniform texture.
• SLL also acts as a gentle cleanser in many products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. Helps to wash away impurities without affecting the moisture barrier of the skin. It is an ideal choice for sensitive skin formulations.
• Acts as a natural emollient and skin conditioner. Improves skin texture, enhances skin hydration, and makes it smooth. Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate for hair care reduces frizz and adds shine.
• Enhances the quality and stability of foam formed in cleansers, shampoos, and body wash.
• In certain formulations, it is also used as a thickening agent. Improving the consistency and texture of products used in.

Apart from the cosmetic industry, SLL also serves a couple of purposes in the food industry. Overall, as a naturally derived alternative to harsh ingredients, SLL is a safer choice.

Common Misconceptions About Sodium Lauryl Lactate

One of the common misconceptions occurs when people read the labels of skincare products, with Sodium Lauryl Lactylate (SLL) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS, which is known to strip skin oils off and contains harsh chemicals. It may also cause irritation and dryness. However, SLL is different, which has a distinct function and safety profile. Consumers often take the prefix "Lauryl" as a drying agent, but the Lactylate part changes the behaviour of this molecule. Ultimately, it gives a soothing effect.

Consumers often see the "lauryl" prefix and assume a drying effect, but in this context, the lactate group completely changes the molecule's behavior, making it soothing rather than stripping. Sodium Lauryl Lactylate is also often considered a harmful chemical, which is not true, as it is purely derived from plant sources like coconut oil and palm oil. Additionally, SLL has also been marked safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board.

Impact of Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate on Hair Health

Ingredients used in skin care often overlap into hair care, too. Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate for hair is a great example of this. As we discussed above, SLL doesn't strip off natural oils, nor does it leave hair dry or frizzy. Hence, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate in shampoo formulations becomes the choice of ingredient.

• SLL gives a creamy lather to shampoos and conditioners.
• Helps combat hair frizz caused by heat styling and humidity.
• Prevents itching and flakiness associated with frequent hair washing.
• It serves a good purpose as a powerful humectant and detangling agent.
• It provides a weightless conditioning effect that does not lead to product buildup.
• The conditioning effect it provides is weightless and doesn't lead to product buildup in the scalp.
• Acting as a secondary surfactant, it minimizes the harshness of other chemicals, especially for colour-treated hair.
• Smoothens the hair cuticle (outermost layer of hair), hence making hair look smooth and shiny.
• It makes sulphate-free or sensitive‑scalp shampoos feel luxurious without compromising gentleness.
• It makes hair feel soft, manageable, and smoother. Giving the added function of conditioning helps reduce irritation and dryness, even for a sensitive scalp.

Future Insights into Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate Usage in Skincare

As the cosmetic industry evolves, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate in skin care is gaining consideration as an integral ingredient in modern products.

• SLL, with its mild, multifunctional abilities, fits the trend of shifting to skin-friendly surfactants and emulsifiers.
• SLL is derived from natural sources. With the quality of being mild and suitable for sensitive skin, it perfectly aligns with the rising consumer demand for natural, clean, biodegradable, and ecologically friendly ingredients.
• It is a formulation ingredient that enhances the delivery of nutrients, vitamins. Additionally, it enhances the texture of skin and supports skin barrier function.

FAQS

Is sodium lauroyl lactylate suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is very good for skin that is sensitive. It comes from plants, is gentle, and works well with skin lipids. It doesn't break down the skin barrier like other harsh surfactants do. All of these things make it a great choice for people with sensitive skin and conditions that cause redness, irritation, or reactive skin.

Can Lactylate improve hair texture and manageability? 

Yes, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate helps keep moisture in hair. It contains a unique ingredient, Lactylate, that makes the hair cuticle smooth. It makes hair easier to detangle, style, and manage by reducing friction between strands. It also makes hair shinier and bouncier.

Are shampoos with Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate safe for daily use?

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate in shampoo does work as a mild cleaner and conditioner. Also, it doen't take away the essential oils from hair. This makes it a safe and great choice for everyday use.

Does sodium Lauroyl Lactylate have moisturizing benefits?

Yes, it is a potent humectant. Humectant is a substance that pulls moisture from the environment and locks it into the skin. Therefore, it plays an integral part in making the lipid barrier stronger. This dual action ensures long-lasting hydration, making it a key ingredient in moisturizers, serums, and deep-conditioning hair masks.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a solution to repair the dry skin barrier or add shine to your hair, catching this ingredient on labels can ensure you receive a gentle, effective treatment. Don't let the long name confuse you: Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is a powerhouse. It is a plant-derived, gentle ingredient. And solely works in skin hydration, strengthening its natural barrier.

Only through informed ingredient choice can you elevate your game in hair and skin care. It has a broader acceptability for sensitive skin. Furthermore, its compatibility with other ingredients makes it an effective solution in modern skin care. To explore more about skin care and products, visit Soteriskin for inspiration and education.