Ingredient review

Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate

INCI: Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate

A gentle, amino-acid-derived surfactant that cleanses effectively while being kinder to sensitive skin than traditional sulfates.

beautyskincarecleanser

In plain English

This is a cleansing ingredient made from lauric acid (found in coconut oil) and an amino acid called glycine. It works like a gentle soap that lifts dirt and oil from your skin so they can be rinsed away, but it's much less drying than harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate. Think of it as a mild, foamy cleaner that respects your skin's natural moisture barrier.

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

Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate 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 Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate.
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

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

Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate is a semi-synthetic surfactant created by combining lauric acid (a fatty acid from coconut or palm oil) with glycine (an amino acid). It belongs to the family of acyl glycinate surfactants, known for their mildness and compatibility with sensitive skin.

How it works

In a cleanser, this molecule has a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail. When you lather it with water, the tails grab onto sebum, makeup, and impurities, while the heads stay in the water. Rinsing then washes away the entire complex, leaving skin clean without stripping its natural oils.

Pros

Gentle on skin

Its amino-acid base makes it much less likely to cause irritation or dryness compared to sodium lauryl sulfate, so it's a great choice for sensitive or eczema-prone skin.

Maintains moisture balance

Because it doesn't strip away all of your skin's natural oils, your face feels clean but not tight or parched after washing.

Cons and cautions

Less effective on heavy makeup

If you wear long-wear or waterproof makeup, you may need a double cleanse or an oil-based remover first, as this surfactant alone may not dissolve everything.

Can be pricier

Products formulated with amino-acid surfactants tend to cost more than those using conventional sulfates, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious shoppers.

Best for

People with dry or sensitive skin who find sulfates too harsh
Anyone looking for a gentle daily facial cleanser

Use caution if

Those who prefer a very high-foam, squeaky-clean feel (this is milder)

Usage tips

Use lukewarm water to activate the lather—hot water can reduce its mildness.

Pair with a moisturizer afterward for best results, especially if you have dry skin.

If using as a makeup remover, apply to dry skin first, then add water to emulsify.

Safety summary

Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate is considered safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at concentrations up to 15%. It has a low irritation and sensitization profile, and no significant safety concerns have been raised by regulatory bodies.

Research notes

Amino-acid surfactants like this one have been studied for their mildness and skin compatibility. Research shows they cause less disruption to the skin barrier compared to traditional anionic surfactants, though direct studies on this specific compound are limited.

Common label clues

Typical concentration: 5–15% in rinse-off products
Regulatory status: Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and most major markets. No known restrictions at typical concentrations.
Common uses: Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Makeup removers
Environmental note: Derived from renewable plant sources (coconut or palm oil) and is readily biodegradable, making it a more eco-friendly choice than some petroleum-based surfactants.

Good to know

This ingredient is often found in 'sulfate-free' cleansers and is biodegradable.
It has a pH close to that of healthy skin (around 5.5), which helps maintain your acid mantle.

Common questions

What is Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate in beauty products?

What does Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate do in a beauty product?

Is Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate safe for most people?

Who should be careful with Sodium Lauryl Diethylenediaminoglycinate?

Those who prefer a very high-foam, squeaky-clean feel (this is milder)

Research sources

CosIng Database - European CommissionOpen Safety Assessment of Acyl Glycinates - CIROpen PubMed - Amino Acid Surfactants and Skin BarrierOpen

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.