Lauric acid, also known as dodecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon chain [1]. It is a white, crystalline solid at room temperature and is practically insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents [2]. The empirical formula for lauric acid is C12H24O2 [3].

Lauric acid is primarily obtained from vegetable oils, particularly coconut oil and palm kernel oil, where it constitutes around 45-55% of the total fatty acid content [4]. The production process typically involves hydrolysis of the oil, followed by distillation or fractional crystallization to isolate lauric acid [5].

Lauric acid functions as a surfactant, emulsifier, and cleansing agent in cosmetic formulations [6]. As a surfactant, it helps to reduce the surface tension between liquids, allowing them to mix more easily [7]. As an emulsifier, lauric acid aids in stabilizing mixtures of oil and water, preventing them from separating [8]. Its cleansing properties enable the removal of oil and dirt from the skin [9].

Lauric acid is commonly used in soaps, shampoos, and lotions due to its foaming and cleansing properties [10]. It can also be found in creams and moisturizers, where it contributes to the texture and stability of the product [11]. Additionally, lauric acid is utilized in some oral hygiene products, such as toothpaste [12].

Lauric acid should be stored in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to prevent degradation [13]. During transportation, it should be protected from moisture and extreme temperatures to maintain its quality [14]. It is typically packaged in multi-layer paper bags with polyethylene liners or in fiber drums [15].

Citations:

[1] Kabara, J. J. (2008). The Pharmacological Effects of Lipids. American Oil Chemists' Society.
[2] Lide, D. R. (2005). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (86th ed.). CRC Press.
[3] National Center for Biotechnology Information (2023). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 8022, Lauric acid. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Lauric-acid
[4] Gunstone, F. D. (2004). The Chemistry of Oils and Fats: Sources, Composition, Properties and Uses. Blackwell Publishing.
[5] Kirk, R. E., Othmer, D. F., Kroschwitz, J. I., & Howe-Grant, M. (1991). Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. John Wiley & Sons.
[6] Draelos, Z. D. (2015). Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures. John Wiley & Sons.
[7] Myers, D. (2020). Surfactant Science and Technology. John Wiley & Sons.
[8] Tadros, T. F. (2013). Emulsions Formation, Stability, and Rheology. Wiley-VCH.
[9] Lodén, M., & Barnes, T. M. (2020). Textbook of Cosmetic Dermatology. CRC Press.
[10] Spitz, L. (2016). Soaps and Detergents: A Theoretical and Practical Review. AOCS Press.
[11] Schlossman, M. L., & Shoppee, C. W. (2009). The Chemistry and Manufacture of Cosmetics. Allured Publishing Corporation.
[12] ten Cate, J. M. (2018). Basic and Clinical Cariology. John Wiley & Sons.
[13] United Nations. (2019). Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). United Nations Publications.
[14] World Health Organization. (2021). International Safety Cards. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/
[15] European Chemicals Agency. (2023). Information on Registered Substances: Lauric acid. Retrieved from https://echa.europa.eu/

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