What Is Potassium lauroyl glycinate?

Learn about the antioxidant, cleansing, and surfactant cleansing characteristics of Potassium lauroyl glycinate and its usage in personal care products.

What Is Potassium lauroyl glycinate? Brandon Jones / IngredientReviewer

Last Updated: October 2, 2024

Written by Brandon Jones

What Is Potassium lauroyl glycinate?

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Potassium lauroyl glycinate is a substance that is used in cosmetics to clean and remove dirt and oils from the skin. It also acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Potassium lauroyl glycinate can be referred to by other names such as potassium dodecanoylglycinate or potassium n-lauroylglycinate.

What is the purpose of Potassium lauroyl glycinate in personal care products? It is used for its antioxidant, cleansing, and surfactant cleansing characteristics. Potassium lauroyl glycinate prevents oxidation, removes impurities (dirt, oil, makeup, etc.) from your skin or hair, and helps clean body surfaces.

Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Potassium Lauroyl Glycinate, Potassium (dodecanoylamino)acetate, and "Glycine, N-(1-oxododecyl)-, potassium salt (1:1)".

What Are Antioxidant Ingredients?

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Potassium lauroyl glycinate has antioxidant characteristics.

Antioxidants neutralize harmful molecules caused by pollution, UV radiation, and stress that can damage skin cells. Antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and redness. Antioxidant ingredients are also used in skincare products to keep skin healthy and youthful, extend the shelf life of food and beverages, and prevent the breakdown of active ingredients in medications.

Types of Antioxidants Ingredients

Here are some of the most common types of antioxidants ingredients in cosmetics and other products:

  • Vitamins: Certain vitamins, such as vitamins C, E, and A (retinol), are known for their antioxidant properties.

  • Botanical extracts: Many plants contain natural antioxidants that can be extracted and used in cosmetics. Examples include green tea, grape seed, pomegranate, and chamomile.

  • Peptides: Certain peptides, such as glutathione, can have antioxidant properties and may be used in cosmetics.

  • Carotenoids: Carotenoids are pigments found in plants that have antioxidant properties. Some examples include lycopene, beta-carotene, and astaxanthin.

What Are Cleansing Ingredients?

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Potassium lauroyl glycinate has cleansing characteristics.

Cleansing ingredients in a cosmetic product help remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other impurities from the skin or hair. These ingredients can come in various forms, including liquids, gels, foams, creams, and powders, and they work by interacting with the substances they come in contact with.

Cleansing Ingredients for Different Skin Types

When choosing a product with a cleansing ingredient, it's important to consider your skin or hair type and any particular concerns you may have.

If you have dry skin, avoiding products with harsh surfactants that can remove natural oils from your skin might be best. Instead, you may prefer a gentle cleanser that contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

In contrast, if you have oily skin or are prone to acne, you could try benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid products, which can remove excess oil and help unclog pores.

Types of Cleansing Ingredients

Many different types of cleansing ingredients are used in cosmetic products, and they can be derived from natural or synthetic sources. Here are some common types of cleansing ingredients you might find in cosmetic products:

  • Surfactants: These are molecules that help to break down oils and dirt on the skin, allowing them to be rinsed away with water. Examples of surfactants used in cosmetic products include sodium lauryl sulfate, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium laureth sulfate, and decyl glucoside.

  • Solvents: Solvents are commonly used in cleansing cosmetic products as they effectively dissolve and remove various types of substances, such as oils, dirt, and makeup from the skin's surface. Examples of solvents used in cosmetic products include alcohol, glycerin, and propylene glycol.

  • Exfoliants: These are ingredients that help remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Examples of exfoliants used in cosmetic products include alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), and physical exfoliants like sugar or salt.

What Are Surfactant Cleansing Ingredients?

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Potassium lauroyl glycinate has surfactant cleansing characteristics.

Surfactant cleansing ingredients are commonly found in various cosmetics, particularly those designed for cleansing, such as shampoo, body wash, and facial cleansers. These ingredients serve several purposes, including wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or dissolving oils, and suspending dirt and grime, making them easier to remove. Surfactants generally contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products, making them more effective in removing impurities from the skin or hair.

Safety

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Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.