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Lauric Acid

INCI · Lauric Acid · also Dodecanoic acid, C12 fatty acid

Revelika safety grade

Overview

A saturated twelve-carbon fatty acid, most abundant in coconut and palm kernel oil, used as an emollient and as the feedstock for a great many surfactants and soaps. It has drawn research interest for activity against Cutibacterium acnes in laboratory conditions.

Who it's for

Mostly met indirectly, as a component of coconut-derived oils and cleansing bases, rather than sought out by name.

Cautions

Antibacterial activity in a dish is not the same as a working acne treatment, and no topical product should be chosen on that basis. Coconut oil and its fatty acids are widely reported to clog pores for some people while suiting others perfectly well, which makes a small test area the sensible route rather than a verdict either way.

Suitability
Suits skin type
Dry Oily Combination Sensitive Acne-prone Mature Normal
Concentration
Concentration0 – 10%
Effective from
Max safe
In the glossary
Frequently asked
What does Lauric Acid do in skincare?

A saturated twelve-carbon fatty acid, most abundant in coconut and palm kernel oil, used as an emollient and as the feedstock for a great many surfactants and soaps. It has drawn research interest for activity against Cutibacterium acnes in laboratory conditions.

Is Lauric Acid considered safe for skin?

Antibacterial activity in a dish is not the same as a working acne treatment, and no topical product should be chosen on that basis. Coconut oil and its fatty acids are widely reported to clog pores for some people while suiting others perfectly well, which makes a small test area the sensible route rather than a verdict either way.

RRevelika

A science-forward beauty ingredient encyclopedia. Every entry is written from published research and graded conservatively before it publishes.

Editorial standard

Content is educational, not medical advice. When evidence is uncertain we say so — and we default to caution on pregnancy safety.

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