Lauryl hydroxysultaine is among the gentlest amphoteric surfactants widely used in personal care products. It is generally non-irritating to the eyes at concentrations up to 5% and to the skin at levels up to 10%, however, mild irritation may still occur in individuals with very sensitive skin. Lauryl hydroxysultaine is a gentle co-surfactant that helps reduce the irritation caused by stronger cleansing agents. It is compatible with a wide range of surfactants and provides rich, stable foam even in hard water or brine. Being an effective hydrotrope, it enables nonionic surfactants to perform in highly alkaline and electrolyte-rich systems. Because of its versatility, it supports effective cleansing, wetting, and emulsifying in a wide range of formulas.
The material demonstrates excellent stability in both acidic and alkaline environments and resists hydrolytic degradation, making it perfect for use in alpha or beta hydroxy acid (AHA/BHA) formulations and products preserved with benzoic acid. The material delivers enhanced foam-boosting performance and greater foam stability than other betaine-based amphoteric surfactants.
In SLES-based formulations, lauryl hydroxysultaine provides excellent thickening properties, enhancing various foam characteristics such as foam volume, formation speed, and density. In sulfate-free and salt-unresponsive formulations, achieving the desired viscosity typically requires the addition of specialized thickeners.
