Ingredients

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

What sodium lauroyl sarcosinate does in cleansers, how a mild wash differs from a stripping one, and what your skin can tell you.

Extremely safeIn 11 products we cover

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Quick facts

INCI name
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
CAS number
137-16-6
Origin
Plant-derived or Synthetic
Chemical class
Anionic surfactant
What it does in a formula
cleansing, surfactant, foaming
Why it is in the formula
Usually included as a cleansing surfactant that helps lift oil and soil into rinse water.

What it is

Combining a lauric fatty-acid chain with sarcosine chemistry, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is an anionic surfactant featured in foaming cleansers and washes. Its dual water- and oil-compatible structure allows it to bind surface sebum and grime so water can rinse them clean. It is distinct from harsher sulfates.

You may find it in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, and foaming products. It can contribute both cleansing and foam, but foam is not a reliable measure of how mild a cleanser is. The total surfactant blend, pH, concentration, contact time, and how thoroughly you rinse all influence the experience. This ingredient is a helper in a finished cleanser, not a guarantee that every formula will suit every face.

What it does

  • Lifts oil and soil. It helps water remove oily residue, sunscreen, makeup, and everyday dirt during rinsing.
  • Creates foam. It can support lather, though more bubbles do not necessarily mean more cleansing or a harsher product.
  • Supports rinse-off cleansing. It is often combined with other surfactants to tune the formula’s cleansing and skin feel.
  • Helps a formula spread. The surfactant blend can distribute through wet skin and rinse away with water.

Who it suits

The mildness of a cleanser depends on its full surfactant blend, pH, contact time, and how often you wash, not on foam alone. If the product leaves your skin persistently tight or uncomfortable, it may not be a good match for your routine. Rinse with lukewarm water and use a moisturizer if needed. A dermatologist can help with recurring irritation.

What to pair it with, and what not to

This surfactant is part of a rinse-off cleanser, so it does not need a serum partner. After washing, use a moisturizer with ingredients such as glycerin if your skin feels dry, and apply sunscreen in the daytime as directed. Do not judge cleanser mildness by foam or use a face wash longer than its directions suggest. A comfortable, effective wash is more useful than a squeaky finish.

Skin Realist check: A cleanser does not need to make your face squeak to prove it showed up for work.

Quick picks with Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

Picked from label facts only. We haven't tested these products.

All 11 products with Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate

Gel, Foam & Cream Facial Cleansers (6)

Body Creams, Butters & Body Oils (3)

Physical & Enzyme Face Exfoliants (1)

Shaving Creams, Gels & Oils (1)

Common questions

What does sodium lauroyl sarcosinate do in a cleanser?

It is a surfactant that helps water lift away oil, sunscreen, makeup, and dirt so they can be rinsed off. It can also contribute to foam.

Is sodium lauroyl sarcosinate a sulfate?

No. It is an anionic cleansing surfactant, but it is not a sulfate surfactant such as sodium lauryl sulfate. The full formula and use conditions shape how a cleanser feels.

How can I tell if a cleanser is stripping?

A cleanser that leaves your skin persistently tight, dry, or uncomfortable may be too strong or used too often for you. Foam alone does not determine mildness; surfactant blend, concentration, pH, contact time, and rinsing all matter.

Is sodium lauroyl sarcosinate gentle?

It is used in rinse-off cleansers, but mildness is a property of the finished formula and how you use it. If you notice ongoing discomfort, stop and choose a cleanser that feels more comfortable.

Sources