Sodium caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate  is a chemical compound consisting of two different chemical compounds: Sodium Capryl Lactylate and Sodium lauroyl lactylate: sodium salt of the esterification process of lactic acid esters lauric acid, capric acid.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Sodium" indicates the presence of a sodium cation in the molecule.
• "Caproyl/Lauroyl" refer to the alkyl chains derived from caproic and lauric fatty acids.
• "Lactylate" indicates that the molecule is an ester of lactic acid.

Raw materials in the production of Sodium Caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate.

• Caproic acid (Hexanoic acid) and Lauric acid. These are fatty acids used as the raw materials.
• Lactylate. Derived from lactic acid, which in turn can be produced by fermenting sugars.
• Sodium hydroxide. Acts as a neutralizing agent.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process:

• Ester formation. Caproic acid and lauric acid react with lactylate to form the desired ester.
• Neutralization. The acidic ester is then neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form the sodium salt.
• Purification. Any remaining impurities are removed through purification processes.

It appears as a water-soluble amber-coloured liquid.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Sodium caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate  is a multifunctional active ingredient for cleansing and reducing oiliness of the skin with antimicrobial properties against microorganisms that cause dandruff and athlete's foot. Also suitable for scalp.

Anti-sebum.  Controls and reduces emissions from the sebaceous glands, which are responsible for greasy, enlarged pores in the skin, where it occurs, particularly on the forehead, cheeks, nose and hair. Adjuvant in the treatment of acne.

Antimicrobial agent. This ingredient is able to suppress or inhibit the growth and replication of a broad spectrum of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses by making the stratum corneum temporarily bactericidal and fungicidal.

Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum. 

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities. 

CAS        13557-74-9   13557-75-0

Recommended dosage 0.3-1%.

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics and Skincare Products. Used as an emulsifier, skin conditioning agent, and thickener.

Food Industry. Acts as an emulsifier and conditioning agent in various food products.

Hair Care Products. Might be found in shampoos and conditioners as a conditioning agent.

Sodium caproyl/Lauroyl Lactylate studies