Mild Surfactant Review: SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE vs. Other Cleansing Agents
Can’t We Have Both Mildness and Cleansing Power?
Formulators and brands often face a dilemma:
- SLS / SLES – rich foam & low cost, but stinging, dryness, and tightness.
- Conventional amino acid surfactants – milder, but often weak foam, residual feel, and tackiness.
- APG (Alkyl Polyglucoside) – green and mild, but hard to thicken, thin bubbles.
The truth: Consumers no longer believe “squeaky dry = clean”. They need barrier-friendly, creamy foam, and soft post-wash skin.
Subject of Review: SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE
INCI Name: SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE, 30% active (SQ-SUR LS30)
Source: Lauroic acid + sarcosine (natural amino acid derivative)
Position: Ultra-mild anionic surfactant with high foamability, hard-water tolerance, easy rinse-off, low residue.
Benchmark: Head-to-Head Comparison of 5 Cleansing Agents
|
Parameter |
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (SQ-SUR LS30) |
SLS/SLES |
CAB (Betaine) |
Glutamate |
Glycinate |
|
Mildness |
Ultra-mild |
Irritating |
Mild |
Mildest |
Mild |
|
Foam volume |
High + creamy |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
High |
|
Foam creaminess |
Very fine & dense |
Large, loose |
Medium |
Fine |
Fine |
|
Hard-water tolerance |
Excellent |
Poor |
Good |
Good |
Good |
|
Rinse feel |
Very fast, no residue |
Clean but dry |
Slippery |
Moisturizing |
Clean & easy |
|
Irritation vs. SLES |
7x milder |
Baseline |
~50% less |
~70% less |
~60% less |
Takeaway: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate scores top-tier in mildness, foam quality, hard-water resistance, and rinse feel – with no obvious weakness.
Why is Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (SQ-SUR LS30) an “All-Rounder”?
- Mildness verified: 7 times milder than SLES
- Foam quality: fast-building, creamy, long-lasting
Unlike many amino acid surfactants, it produces stable, fine, dense bubbles even at low usage levels.
- Excellent compatibility
Works with anionic, amphoteric, non-ionic, even cationic surfactants.
Stable from pH 5.5 to alkaline – suitable for soap-based blends and light-acid facial cleansers.
Compatible with disinfectants (Benzalkonium chloride, Piroctone olamine, etc.) – ideal for antibacterial hand soaps.
- Skin feel: easy rinse-off, no slippery residue, no tackiness
Leaves skin soft but not tight, hair smooth and manageable.
Formula Application: Two High-Performance Examples
Sensitive Skin Facial Cleanser (pH 5.5)
|
Phase |
Ingredient |
% |
|
A |
Water |
to 100 |
|
A |
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (SQ-SUR LS30) |
15.0 |
|
A |
Cocamidopropyl Betaine |
5.0 |
|
A |
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate (30%) |
3.0 |
|
B |
Glycerin |
3.0 |
|
B |
Preservative, fragrance |
q.s. |
| C |
Citric acid (to pH 5.5) |
q.s. |
Result: Creamy foam, no residue after rinse, comfortable for daily use on sensitive skin.
Antibacterial Hand Soap (with Disinfectant)
|
Phase |
Ingredient |
% |
| A |
Water |
to 100 |
| A |
Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate (SQ-SUR LS30) |
12.0 |
| A |
SLES (low irritation grade) |
3.0 |
| A |
CAPB |
4.0 |
| B |
Benzalkonium chloride |
0.3 |
| B |
Fragrance, preservative |
q.s. |
Result: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate significantly reduces the stinging sensation from SLES while maintaining creamy foam – even with high levels of disinfectant.
Final Verdict→ SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE (SQ-SUR LS 30) is one of the closest things to a “perfect” mild surfactant in personal care today. It satisfies both formulators’ need for performance and consumers’ demand for sensory experience.
Call to Action
If you are developing:
- Sensitive skin facial cleanser / baby body wash / mild shampoo
- Antibacterial hand soap with disinfectant
- Premium light-acid facial cleansing cream
Request a sample of SQ-SUR LS30 (SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE, 30%) now – see for yourself the 7x mildness and creamy foam.
Contact E-mail：sales@sqmaterials.com
Contact Phone：+86 20 3180 1834
