Palm Kernel Acid
AKA “Lauric Acid, Palm Kernel Fatty Acid”
Acid
Ingredient Facts
Palm kernel acid
AKA: Lauric Acid, Palm Kernel Fatty Acid
Acid · Cleansing · EWG: 1
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Acid
Clean
Fatty acids, palm kernel-oil
CAS #
101403-98-9
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Emulsifier
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Fights Bacteria
Removes dirt and impurities
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
A saturated fatty acid derived from palm kernels through modern chemical processing. Developed for use in synthetic surfactants and cleansing ingredients in contemporary cosmetics.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Stearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Hydroxylauric Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lauric Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Palm Kernel Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Sodium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Methacrylamidolauric Acid Copolymer
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Lauric Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Palm Kernel Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR