Ingredient review
Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine
INCI: LAURYL DIETHYLENEDIAMINOGLYCINE
A gentle synthetic surfactant that effectively cleanses without being overly harsh, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
In plain English
Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine is a man-made cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's designed to be milder than traditional soaps, so it cleans without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. You'll find it in products like face washes and shampoos where a gentle but effective clean is needed.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
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
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine 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 Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine.
- 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 synthetic surfactant derived from lauric acid (a fatty acid found in coconut oil) and glycine (an amino acid). It belongs to the class of amphoteric surfactants, meaning it can work in both acidic and alkaline conditions, and is known for its mildness.
How it works
It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt on the skin to be emulsified and rinsed away. Its amphoteric nature also makes it compatible with other surfactants, helping to reduce overall irritation in a formula.
Pros
Mild on skin
This surfactant is designed to be gentle, making it a good choice for daily use without causing excessive dryness or irritation.
Good foam quality
It produces a stable, creamy lather that feels pleasant during cleansing, which can improve the user experience.
Cons and cautions
Limited heavy-duty cleansing
On its own, it may not fully remove heavy makeup or waterproof sunscreen, so it's often paired with other cleansers.
Potential for slight dryness
In high concentrations or with frequent use, some users may still experience mild tightness, especially if they have very dry skin.
Best for
- People with sensitive or dry skin looking for a mild cleanser
- Those who prefer sulfate-free cleansing options
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to coconut-derived ingredients (though rare)
- Those seeking a deep-cleansing oil-based makeup remover
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic risk, but as with any ingredient, patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Research notes
Limited peer-reviewed studies specifically on lauryl diethylenediaminoglycine, but it is structurally similar to other mild amphoteric surfactants with established safety profiles. Regulatory bodies like the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) have reviewed related amino acid-based surfactants and found them safe.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1-5% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and other major markets. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos
- Environmental note
- Synthetic surfactant; biodegradability data is limited, but it is not known to be persistent in the environment.
Good to know
- Often listed near the middle of an ingredient list, indicating moderate concentration.
- Can help reduce the irritation potential of stronger surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate when used in combination.
Common questions
What is Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine in beauty products?
Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine is a man-made cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's designed to be milder than traditional soaps, so it cleans without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. You'll find it in products like face washes and shampoos where a gentle but effective clean is needed.
What does Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine do in a beauty product?
It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing oils and dirt on the skin to be emulsified and rinsed away. Its amphoteric nature also makes it compatible with other surfactants, helping to reduce overall irritation in a formula.
Is Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine safe for most people?
Considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic risk, but as with any ingredient, patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Who should be careful with Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycine?
Individuals with known allergies to coconut-derived ingredients (though rare) Those seeking a deep-cleansing oil-based makeup remover
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.