Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Sodium Lauroyl sarcosinate is a common ingredient found in cosmetics. It is a surfactant that helps to cleanse and foam up products like shampoos, cleansers, and body washes. This ingredient is derived from sarcosine, which is a natural amino acid found in the body. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is known for its gentle cleansing properties, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It helps to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin or hair without causing irritation or stripping away natural moisture.
Advantages :
Firstly, it is a gentle surfactant that effectively cleanses the skin and hair without causing irritation or dryness. This makes it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or scalp. Additionally, it has excellent foaming properties, which helps to create a luxurious lather in cosmetic products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate also acts as a conditioning agent, leaving the skin and hair feeling soft and smooth after use. Furthermore, it has antimicrobial properties that can help to inhibit the growth of bacteria on the skin, making it beneficial for acne-prone individuals.
Disadvantages:
It can be quite drying to the skin, especially for individuals with already dry or sensitive skin types. This can lead to irritation, redness, and even flakiness. Secondly, some studies suggest that this ingredient may disrupt the natural balance of the skin's microbiome, which can potentially lead to imbalances and skin issues. Lastly, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate has been associated with potential environmental concerns, as it may not readily biodegrade and could accumulate in water sources, posing a risk to aquatic life.
Conclusion:
The use of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate in cosmetics has been extensively studied and evaluated. This surfactant is commonly used in personal care products due to its ability to cleanse and foam effectively. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics as it has low skin irritation potential and is not known to be a sensitizer. Additionally, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate has been found to have good biodegradability, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
References:
https://www.products.pcc.eu/en/inci-names/sodium-lauroyl-sarcosinate/#:~:text=Sodium%20Lauroyl%20Sarcosinate%20is%20a,as%20well%20as%20in%20shampoos.
https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci-ingredients/sodium-lauroyl-sarcosinate