Sodium Laurate
Sodium laurate is a fatty acid soap reviewed by the CIR Expert Panel as part of the fatty acids and soaps assessment, concluded safe in current cosmetic practices when formulated to be non-irritating. It is not generally used as a food additive; the related calcium/sodium salts of fatty acids are GRAS.
What it is
Sodium salt of lauric acid (C12 fatty acid), an anionic soap/surfactant.
Surfactant / cleansing agent (primarily cosmetic and personal care soap base, not a typical food ingredient).
Why it's flagged
- can be drying/irritating to skin at high concentrations
- high pH (alkaline)
What regulators actually say
"Sodium Laurate/Linoleate/Oleate/Palmitate was reported to be used at up to 84.7% in bath soaps and detergents... function in cosmetics as soaps/surfactants."
"Salts of fatty acids — The salts of the fatty acids... are generally recognized as safe when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice."
Regulatory status
United States — FDA
Not a direct food additive; salts of fatty acids GRAS under 21 CFR 172.863 (related sodium fatty-acid salts)
European Union — EFSA
Not authorized food additive; cosmetic ingredient under EU 1223/2009
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