At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is an amino-acid-based cleanser made from lauric acid and sarcosine. In ORY® products, it gives rich, fast foam and effective yet gentle cleansing. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that sarcosinates are safe in rinse-off products, safe up to 5% in leave-on products, and should not be used in products where N-nitroso compounds can form.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment (2001).
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
2. Composition and Production
Claim: It is made by joining lauric acid to sarcosine and supplied as a solution or powder. It works at pH 3.5–8 and in hard water. |
Verification: Supported. Because it is derived from a secondary amine, ORY® never combines it with nitrosating ingredients such as bronopol or nitrites.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
- What it shows: Nitrosamine condition.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate suits most skin types. |
Verification: Supported. Mild surfactants disrupt the skin barrier less than harsh ones such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
Citations:
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
- What it shows: Review of mild cleansing.
- Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12469
- What it shows: Review of cleansers.
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate gives rich foam in sulfate-free and clarifying shampoos. |
Verification: Supported. This is a cleansing role; ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
- What it shows: Review of hair cosmetics.
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
5. Benefits
Claim: Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate cleanses effectively with rich, stable foam. |
Verification: Supported. These are cleansing and feel benefits.
Citations:
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
- What it shows: Mild cleansing.
- Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12469
- What it shows: Cleansers.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- What it shows: Acne claims are drug claims; ORY® cleansers are not acne treatments.
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: It is used in ORY® cleansers across Skincare, Haircare, Cosmetics, and liquid and syndet soap. |
Verification: Supported. It is used in rinse-off products, within CIR’s conditions.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 3–12% | Foaming cleansers, body washes, and hand washes. |
| Haircare | 5–15% | Sulfate-free and clarifying shampoos. |
| Handmade Soap line | 5–20% | Liquid soaps and syndet and shampoo bars. |
| Cosmetics | 2–8% | Foaming makeup removers and brush cleansers. |
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
- What it shows: Use conditions.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
- What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
7. Pros
Claim: A rich-foaming, amino-acid-based cleanser with a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review and surfactant science.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
- What it shows: Safety.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
8. Cons
Claim: Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate has a nitrosamine formulation restriction. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Nitrosamine rule. Never with nitrosating agents.
- Leave-on limit. Up to 5%.
- Cost.
- Limited compatibility with cationic conditioners.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
- What it shows: Conditions.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Rinse well; avoid getting cleansers in the eyes.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden or patchy hair loss, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap line: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is used in liquid soaps and syndet, shampoo, or cleansing bars, which are cosmetics under FDA rules and list all of their ingredients. It is not used in cold-process soap.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Ananthapadmanabhan, K. P., Moore, D. J., Subramanyan, K., Misra, M., & Meyer, F. (2004). Cleansing without compromise: The impact of cleansers on the skin barrier and the technology of mild cleansing. Dermatologic Therapy, 17(Suppl 1), 16–25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1396-0296.2004.04S1002.x
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cocoyl sarcosine, lauroyl sarcosine, … sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and ammonium lauroyl sarcosinate. International Journal of Toxicology, 20(Suppl 1), 1–14 (safe in rinse-off products and up to 5% in leave-on products; not for use where N-nitroso compounds can form). https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152902547
- Draelos, Z. D. (2018). The science behind skin care: Cleansers. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(1), 8–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12469
- Gavazzoni Dias, M. F. R. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, 7(1), 2–15. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25878443/
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 333, Subpart D — Topical acne drug products for over-the-counter human use. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-333/subpart-D
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
