Glyceryl laurate is a chemical compound, monoglyceric monoester obtained by the esterification of glycerine and carboxylic acids (an equivalent of a carboxylic acid and an equivalent of glycerine), in this ingredient a blend of  the  mono-,  di-,  and triesters of glycerin and lauric acid.

Safety. The purity level of commercial monoglyceric monoester is about 90 per cent, and impurities include fatty acids, monoglyceric diesters, mono-, di- and tri-glycerides.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsifiers have the property to reduce the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improve emulsion stability and also directly influence the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance.

Glyceryl laurate studies

Molecular Formula: C₁₅H₃₀O₄

Linear Formula: H₃C(CH₂)₁₀COOCH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH

Molecular Weight: 274.401 g/mol

CAS: 142-18-7  27215-38-9  67701-26-2

EC Number: 205-526-6  266-944-2  248-337-4


Synonyms:

• 1-Monolaurin
• 2,3-Dihydroxypropyl dodecanoate
• Lauricidin
• Monolaurin
• Glyceryl monolaurate
• 1-Glyceryl laurate
• Dodecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester
• Glycerol 1-laurate
• Lauric acid 1-monoglyceride
• 1-Monolauroyl-rac-glycerol
• 1-Monododecanoylglycerol
• 2,3-Dihydroxypropyl laurate
• Glycerol monolaurate
• 1-Lauroyl-rac-glycerol
• Laurin, 1-mono-
• (+-)-Glyceryl 1-monododecanoate

Glyceryl laurate has improved drug absorption through the skin and has been described as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial. A strong haemolytic activity was found in an in vitro test using sheep erythrocytes, furthermore it was not classified as an irritant (1).

References_____________________________

(1) Final report of the amended safety assessment of Glyceryl Laurate, Glyceryl Laurate SE, Glyceryl Laurate/Oleate, Glyceryl Adipate, Glyceryl Alginate, Glyceryl Arachidate, Glyceryl Arachidonate, Glyceryl Behenate, Glyceryl Caprate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Glyceryl Cocoate, Glyceryl Collagenate, Glyceryl Erucate, Glyceryl Hydrogenated Rosinate, Glyceryl Hydrogenated Soyate, Glyceryl Hydroxystearate, Glyceryl Isopalmitate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Glyceryl Isostearate/Myristate, Glyceryl Isostearates, Glyceryl Lanolate, Glyceryl Linoleate, Glyceryl Linolenate, Glyceryl Montanate, Glyceryl Myristate, Glyceryl Isotridecanoate/Stearate/Adipate, Glyceryl Oleate SE, Glyceryl Oleate/Elaidate, Glyceryl Palmitate, Glyceryl Palmitate/Stearate, Glyceryl Palmitoleate, Glyceryl Pentadecanoate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Rosinate, Glyceryl Sesquioleate, Glyceryl/Sorbitol Oleate/Hydroxystearate, Glyceryl Stearate/Acetate, Glyceryl Stearate/Maleate, Glyceryl Tallowate, Glyceryl Thiopropionate, and Glyceryl Undecylenate.
[No authors listed]
Int J Toxicol. 2004;23 Suppl 2:55-94. Review.