Lauric acid (CAS 0143-07-07) — Sweet N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient
Lauric acid
CAS 0143-07-07
What Is Lauric acid?
Lauric acid is a fatty acid commonly found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It’s widely used in soaps, shampoos, and skincare products for its cleansing and moisturizing properties. While not typically used for fragrance, it serves as a base ingredient in many personal care products. Its presence ensures product stability and enhances the lathering effect in cleansers.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Lauric acid Smell Like?
Lauric acid has a faint, waxy odor reminiscent of coconut oil or bay leaves. It lacks the complexity of traditional fragrance ingredients, presenting a clean, soapy character. The smell is linear without significant evolution, making it more functional than aromatic. Its primary role is as a surfactant rather than a perfumery material.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Lauric acid is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon chain. It’s classified as a medium-chain fatty acid (MCFA) and is naturally abundant in coconut and palm kernel oils. Industrially, it’s produced through the hydrolysis of triglycerides from these oils. The molecule is non-volatile and lacks the structural features typical of fragrance compounds.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 298.9 °C |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 44-46 °C |
| Density | 0.880 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleansing Products | 10-20% | Up to 30% | Primary surfactant in many formulations |
| Skincare | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Emollient and texture enhancer |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a base ingredient for cleansing systems rather than as a fragrance component.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar fatty acid with slightly longer carbon chain, offering comparable surfactant properties.
Shorter-chain fatty acid that may provide faster skin absorption in skincare formulations.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA – primarily used as functional ingredient rather than fragrance.
RIFM Assessment
Not evaluated by RIFM as it’s not considered a fragrance material.
Sustainability
Sourcing primarily from coconut or palm oil raises sustainability concerns. Palm-derived lauric acid contributes to deforestation issues, while coconut-based production is generally more sustainable but faces land use challenges. Synthetic production routes exist but are less common due to cost considerations.
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Lauric Acid CID 3893
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPerfumer’s Notes
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