Potassium Laurate

Potassium Laurate Description

Potassium laurate is the potassium salt of the coconut-derived fatty acid lauric acid. It functions as cleansing agent, emulsifier, and foam booster in personal care product formulations. More specifically, it’s a constituent of soap that has the potential to be drying on skin—although formulary steps can be taken to avoid this. Studies indicate potassium laurate offers antimicrobial activity.

As a raw material, potassium laurate is supplied as a water-soluble powder or paste. It can be sourced naturally (via plants) or synthetically made.

According to the 2019 Cosmetic Ingredient Review report, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that potassium laurate is safe in the present practices of use and concentrations (0.001–9%) described in the assessment, when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing.