Is Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate Banned? EU vs US Status, Risks & Where It Hides
TL;DR: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
INCI name SODIUM LAUROYL SARCOSINATE. Also called Sarcosinate. CAS 137-16-6.
Other names: Sarcosinate, Sarkosyl
Is Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate banned in the EU?
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste, Aveeno Positively Clean Foaming Face Wash, Puracy Natural Body Wash |
| CAS number | 137-16-6 |
What is Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate?
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is an anionic surfactant derived from sarcosine (an amino acid derivative) and lauric acid from coconut oil. It is an acyl amino acid surfactant known for mildness and a smooth, silky after-feel.
Why is Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate used in personal-care products?
Used in premium cleansers, shampoos, and toothpastes for its gentle cleansing, anti-caries properties (inhibits Streptococcus mutans in oral care), and ability to impart a smooth skin feel.
Is Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate dangerous? Documented risks
Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is considered safe for cosmetic use by the CIR. It is non-irritating at typical use concentrations and has no known carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine-disrupting properties. It can potentially form N-nitrosamines if formulated with nitrosating agents; good manufacturing practice prevents this. It is one of the preferred alternatives to SLS in dental formulations.
Products that may contain Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
How to avoid Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: safer alternatives
Sodium cocoyl glutamate as another amino acid-based surfactant; CAPB for comparable mildness.
Frequently asked questions about Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate
Is sodium lauroyl sarcosinate safe for daily use?
Yes. It is one of the gentler anionic surfactants and is safe for daily use in toothpastes and face washes.
Does it contain sarcosine — is that related to cancer?
Sarcosine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative. While some research has investigated sarcosine's relationship to prostate cancer metabolism, this has no bearing on the topical or oral use of sodium lauroyl sarcosinate at cosmetic concentrations.
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Sources
- CIR Safety Assessment of Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate — Cosmetic Ingredient Review
- EWG Skin Deep: Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate — Environmental Working Group
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.