Ingredient review

Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate

INCI: DISTEARETH-5 LAUROYL GLUTAMATE

A mild, amino-acid-derived surfactant that cleanses without stripping the skin, making it ideal for sensitive or dry skin types.

beautyskincaresurfactant

In plain English

This ingredient is a gentle cleansing agent made from fatty alcohols (from plant oils) and glutamic acid (an amino acid). It helps remove dirt and oil while being much less harsh than traditional sulfates. It also helps blend oil and water in a formula, so products feel smooth and rinse off easily.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

4.0Good
4.0/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source
semi synthetic
Evidence
moderate
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

moderate

There is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.

What it is

Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate is a semi-synthetic surfactant created by combining lauric acid (from coconut or palm oil), glutamic acid (an amino acid), and polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. It belongs to the family of acyl glutamates, known for their mildness and compatibility with sensitive skin.

How it works

In a cosmetic product, this molecule has a water-loving head (the glutamate part) and an oil-loving tail (the disteareth chain). When you rinse with water, it surrounds dirt and oil particles, lifting them away from the skin so they can be washed off. It also helps stabilize emulsions, keeping the product from separating.

Pros

Mild on skin

Unlike sodium lauryl sulfate, this surfactant cleanses without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier, reducing the risk of dryness and irritation.

Soft after-feel

It leaves a subtle conditioning effect, so skin feels smooth and hydrated after washing, not tight or squeaky.

Cons and cautions

Lower foam

It produces a creamy, low-lather foam rather than big bubbles, which some users may mistake for not cleaning effectively.

PEG content

The 'eth' in the name indicates PEG (polyethylene glycol) chains, which some consumers avoid due to concerns about potential impurities, though cosmetic-grade PEGs are considered safe.

Best for

  • People with dry or sensitive skin
  • Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser
  • Anyone with eczema or rosacea who needs a non-stripping wash

Use caution if

  • Individuals with known allergies to coconut or palm derivatives
  • Those who prefer completely PEG-free formulations

Usage tips

Use in a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser for daily face washing.
Pair with other mild surfactants like coco-glucoside to boost foam without increasing irritation.
Store products containing this ingredient in a cool, dry place to maintain stability.

Safety summary

Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate is considered safe for cosmetic use. It is non-irritating to skin and eyes at typical concentrations. The PEG component is cosmetic-grade and purified to remove harmful impurities. No significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.

Research notes

Acyl glutamates as a class have been studied for their mildness and low irritation potential. While specific studies on Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate are limited, the broader family is well-documented in dermatological literature as gentle alternatives to sulfates. The CIR has reviewed similar ingredients and found them safe.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
1–10% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulations
Regulatory status
Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has evaluated similar acyl glutamates and found them safe for use in rinse-off and leave-on products at typical concentrations.
Common uses
Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Conditioners, Micellar waters
Environmental note
Derived partly from renewable plant sources (coconut/palm oil and glutamic acid). It is biodegradable, but the PEG portion may persist longer in the environment. Look for sustainably sourced palm oil certifications if that is a concern.

Good to know

  • This ingredient is often found in 'amino acid' cleansers marketed for sensitive skin.
  • It is biodegradable and generally considered more environmentally friendly than some traditional surfactants.

Common questions

What is Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate in beauty products?

This ingredient is a gentle cleansing agent made from fatty alcohols (from plant oils) and glutamic acid (an amino acid). It helps remove dirt and oil while being much less harsh than traditional sulfates. It also helps blend oil and water in a formula, so products feel smooth and rinse off easily.

What does Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate do in a beauty product?

In a cosmetic product, this molecule has a water-loving head (the glutamate part) and an oil-loving tail (the disteareth chain). When you rinse with water, it surrounds dirt and oil particles, lifting them away from the skin so they can be washed off. It also helps stabilize emulsions, keeping the product from separating.

Is Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate safe for most people?

Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate is considered safe for cosmetic use. It is non-irritating to skin and eyes at typical concentrations. The PEG component is cosmetic-grade and purified to remove harmful impurities. No significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.

Who should be careful with Disteareth-5 Lauroyl Glutamate?

Individuals with known allergies to coconut or palm derivatives Those who prefer completely PEG-free formulations

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) – Safety of Acyl GlutamatesOpenPubMed – Mild Surfactants for Sensitive SkinOpenEnvironmental Working Group (EWG) – Disteareth-5 Lauroyl GlutamateOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.