LAURYL LAURATE
Also known as: Lauryl Laurate, Dodecyl dodecanoate, Lauryl laurate ester
Overview
Lauryl Laurate is an ester derived from lauryl alcohol and lauric acid, commonly sourced from coconut and palm oils. Primarily utilized in cosmetics and personal care products like lip balms, lotions, and creams, it acts as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. This low molecular weight, vegetable-derived ingredient is known for its fast-melting properties, imparting a dry, powdery feel and slip to formulations. While widely used in cosmetic science, research on Lauryl Laurate as a dietary supplement is limited. The available evidence consists mainly of in vitro and formulation studies, with no high-quality clinical trials or systematic reviews in humans to support its use as a supplement. Therefore, its benefits are primarily confined to topical applications in the cosmetic industry.
Benefits
Lauryl Laurate's benefits are primarily observed in cosmetic applications. It enhances skin feel and reduces greasiness in topical formulations. There is no clinical evidence to support health benefits from its use as a dietary supplement. The available research focuses on its role as an emollient and occlusive agent in skincare products, where it forms a protective barrier on the skin. No population-specific benefits or clinical significance have been established for Lauryl Laurate as a supplement, and there are no quantified outcomes related to its use beyond cosmetic applications.
How it works
Lauryl Laurate functions as an emollient and occlusive agent when applied topically. It creates a protective barrier on the skin, helping to retain moisture and improve skin texture. Because it is not systemically absorbed through topical application, its effects are localized to the skin's surface. There are no known systemic effects or identified molecular targets for systemic action. The primary biological pathway involves its interaction with the skin's lipid layers, enhancing the skin's barrier function and providing a smoother feel.
Side effects
Lauryl Laurate is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics, with a low risk of irritation or sensitization. Common side effects are not reported in available literature. Uncommon side effects, such as mild skin irritation, are possible but not documented in clinical studies. Rare side effects have not been reported. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications associated with its topical use. However, there is a lack of data regarding its safety for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or immunocompromised individuals. Overall, the safety profile is well-established for topical applications, but its safety for oral consumption is not supported by evidence.
Dosage
Lauryl Laurate is not applicable as a supplement, so there are no established minimum effective doses, optimal dosage ranges, or maximum safe doses for oral consumption. It is used in topical formulations such as creams, lotions, and balms. When used topically, it is not absorbed systemically, so absorption factors are not relevant. There are no required cofactors for its topical application. The use of Lauryl Laurate is limited to cosmetic applications, and dosage recommendations are specific to the formulation of the cosmetic product.
FAQs
Is Lauryl Laurate safe for oral consumption?
No, Lauryl Laurate is not intended for oral supplementation. Its use is limited to cosmetic applications, and there is no evidence supporting its safety or efficacy for oral consumption.
How is Lauryl Laurate used in cosmetic products?
Lauryl Laurate is applied topically as part of cosmetic products like creams, lotions, and balms. It improves skin feel, reduces greasiness, and enhances the slip of the formulation.
What are the expected results from using Lauryl Laurate in cosmetics?
The expected results include improved skin feel, reduced greasiness, and enhanced slip in cosmetic formulations. It acts as an emollient, providing a smoother and more pleasant texture to the skin.
Is Lauryl Laurate a dietary supplement?
No, Lauryl Laurate is not a dietary supplement. There is no evidence for health benefits beyond its cosmetic use, and it should not be considered a supplement for any health-related purpose.
Research Sources
- https://lotioncrafter.com/products/lauryl-laurate – This source describes Lauryl Laurate as a vegetable-derived ester used in cosmetics for its emollient properties. It highlights its ability to provide a dry, powdery feel and slip to formulations, making it a valuable ingredient in various personal care products. The information is primarily focused on its use in cosmetic formulations rather than as a dietary supplement.
- https://ca.skinfix.com/blogs/the-fix/what-weakens-the-skin-barrier – This source discusses factors that weaken the skin barrier, and while it doesn't directly focus on Lauryl Laurate, it provides context on the importance of emollients in maintaining skin health. Lauryl Laurate, as an emollient, contributes to strengthening the skin barrier by providing a protective layer and improving skin texture. The article emphasizes the role of emollients in preventing moisture loss and maintaining skin integrity.
- https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/703448-LAURYL_LAURATE/ – The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database provides a safety assessment of Lauryl Laurate, indicating its use in cosmetics and personal care products. It generally rates Lauryl Laurate as a low hazard ingredient, suggesting it is safe for topical use. The assessment focuses on potential concerns related to irritation and sensitization, with the overall conclusion supporting its safety in cosmetic formulations.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauric_acid – This Wikipedia article provides information on Lauric acid, a component of Lauryl Laurate. Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid commonly found in coconut and palm kernel oil. While the article does not directly discuss Lauryl Laurate, it offers background on the source and properties of one of its key constituents.
- https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=e09daf1787d0c28b63f2c59454bc3b6dfe5625c9 – This document appears to be a scientific publication, potentially related to the chemical properties or applications of lauryl laurate or related compounds. Without further context, it's difficult to provide a specific summary, but it likely contains technical details relevant to the formulation and use of lauryl laurate in various applications. Further review of the full document would be needed to extract specific findings.