Chapter 2: Other surfactants · Part 3: Amphoteric surfactants
Sodium lauriminodipropionate
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The worst fact: a 10% solution was "corrosive to the skin of rabbits". In 1997 a US cosmetic review found the data "insufficient to support their safety".
Why brands use it: a co-surfactant. An older industry survey reported 1 to 10% in cosmetics; a recent one found 0.05% in hair conditioners.
Take care if: no specific group.
Comes from: laurylamine reacted with acrylic acid or methyl acrylate, then sodium hydroxide.
Myth check: no common myth we could source.
Contaminants: nil. (The main impurity is sodium acrylate; total impurities are typically under 2%.)
Fair to say: there was "no evidence of sensitization" in human tests, the 2013 review found it safe as used, and the US EPA's Safer Choice list rates it a half green circle: low concern, though "additional data would strengthen our confidence".
Correct as of November 2026. What the badges mean
Sources
- US EPA. Nonylphenol and nonylphenol ethoxylates action plan (2010); Safer Choice Ingredient List.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review: alkyl glucosides (2013); poloxamers (2008); cocamidopropyl betaine and amidopropyl betaines (2012); alkyl betaines (2018); alkyl sultaines (2024); lauriminodipropionates (2013); coconut oil and related ingredients (2011); fatty acids and fatty acid salts (2019).
The full source list is at the end of Chapter 2.