Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate

Sodium lauroyl glutamate is an amino-acid–derived anionic surfactant used mainly in cleansers (often a few percent in formulas) and is generally measurably less irritating than classic sulfates like SLS. However, as a surfactant it can still disrupt barrier lipids and provoke stinging or eczema flares with frequent cleansing, especially in compromised or very reactive skin. Given real-world cumulative exposure in routines and sensitive-skin populations, it fits best as "gentle" rather than "very gentle." Safety Notes: In commercial leave-on products (e.g., creams/lotions/serums), sodium lauroyl glutamate is often used as a mild co-emulsifier/skin-feel modifier or solubilization aid at very low levels, with observed use starting around ~0.05–0.2%. In rinse-off cleansing systems (facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos), it commonly appears as part of the primary surfactant blend, typically ~2–12% active, and high-strength consumer-available “amino acid surfactant” cleansers can reach ~20–35% when positioned as concentrated bases where this surfactant is a major/primary detergent. The upper end reflects concentrated rinse-off products; such levels are generally impractical in leave-on due to irritation potential and formulation sensorial constraints.