Ingredient review
Lauroylglycine Lysinate
INCI: Lauroylglycine Lysinate
A gentle, amino-acid-based surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kind to sensitive and dry skin.
In plain English
Lauroylglycine Lysinate is a mild cleansing ingredient made by combining lauric acid (from coconut or palm oil) with the amino acid glycine and then neutralizing it with lysine (another amino acid). It works like a gentle soap, helping water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Unlike harsh detergents, it cleans without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier, making it a favorite in gentle, non-irritating cleansers.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
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
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Lauroylglycine Lysinate 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Lauroylglycine Lysinate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic surfactant derived from lauric acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil) and the amino acids glycine and lysine. It belongs to the family of acyl amino acid surfactants, known for their mildness and compatibility with sensitive skin.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be emulsified and rinsed away. Its large molecular structure and amino-acid base make it less penetrating into the skin barrier compared to traditional sulfates, resulting in a gentle, non-stripping cleanse.
Pros
Extremely gentle on skin
Its amino-acid structure makes it much less irritating than traditional sulfate surfactants, reducing the risk of dryness, redness, and barrier damage.
Maintains skin comfort
Because it doesn't strip away natural oils, skin feels soft and hydrated after cleansing rather than tight or squeaky.
Cons and cautions
Lower foaming action
It produces a creamy, low lather rather than big bubbles, which some users may associate with less cleansing power, even though it cleans effectively.
Higher cost
As a specialty amino-acid surfactant, it is more expensive to produce, which can increase the price of products containing it.
Best for
- People with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone wanting to avoid harsh sulfates like SLS or SLES in their cleansing routine
Use caution if
- Those seeking a very high-foaming or deep-cleansing experience for heavy oil or waterproof makeup removal
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered very safe for topical use. It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and has a low potential for causing allergic reactions. No significant safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic concentrations.
Research notes
Acyl amino acid surfactants like lauroylglycine lysinate are well-documented in cosmetic science for their mildness and skin compatibility. Studies show they cause less protein denaturation and lipid extraction compared to conventional anionic surfactants, supporting their use in sensitive-skin formulations.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the EU CosIng database and the US FDA as a safe cosmetic ingredient.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (coconut or palm oil), but palm oil sourcing may raise sustainability concerns; look for RSPO-certified options.
Good to know
- Often found in sulfate-free and pH-balanced cleansers.
- Pairs well with other mild surfactants to adjust foam and cleansing strength.
Common questions
What is Lauroylglycine Lysinate in beauty products?
Lauroylglycine Lysinate is a mild cleansing ingredient made by combining lauric acid (from coconut or palm oil) with the amino acid glycine and then neutralizing it with lysine (another amino acid). It works like a gentle soap, helping water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. Unlike harsh detergents, it cleans without stripping your skin's natural moisture barrier, making it a favorite in gentle, non-irritating cleansers.
What does Lauroylglycine Lysinate do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be emulsified and rinsed away. Its large molecular structure and amino-acid base make it less penetrating into the skin barrier compared to traditional sulfates, resulting in a gentle, non-stripping cleanse.
Is Lauroylglycine Lysinate safe for most people?
Considered very safe for topical use. It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and has a low potential for causing allergic reactions. No significant safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic concentrations.
Who should be careful with Lauroylglycine Lysinate?
Those seeking a very high-foaming or deep-cleansing experience for heavy oil or waterproof makeup removal
Research sources
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.