Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan

Lauric Acid

Dodecanoic acid / C12 fatty acid

Safety Notes

C12 saturated fatty acid; antimicrobial (kills Staphylococcus via lipid membrane disruption); main component of coconut oil and palm kernel oil; soap lather; sebum component; RSPO palm sourcing

Function & Common Use

Function

Emollient / Antimicrobial

Category

Emollient

Common In

Soaps cleansers emollients (from coconut)

Origin

Vegetable (coconut/palm kernel)

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lauric Acid safe to use in skincare?

Lauric Acid has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. C12 saturated fatty acid; antimicrobial (kills Staphylococcus via lipid membrane disruption); main component of coconut oil and palm kernel oil; soap lather; sebum component; RSPO palm sourcing

Is Lauric Acid allowed in India?

Lauric Acid is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Lauric Acid used for in cosmetics?

Lauric Acid functions as: Emollient / Antimicrobial. It is commonly found in: Soaps cleansers emollients (from coconut).

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS143-07-7
EC205-582-1

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