Ingredient · dataset v56
Sodium Laurate and fungal acne
May trigger · Limited evidence
Why it's a potential trigger
The sodium salt of lauric acid; same salt-reverts-to-acid basis as the ruled Saponified Oils.
Explicit row.
Evidence strength
Limited evidence (1/3)
Function
Soap
Products without this ingredient
- Viva Naturals Organic MCT Oil 32 fl oz
- Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant 100 ml
- K18 Peptide Prep Detox Shampoo 8.5 oz
- DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
- Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner 200 ml
- De La Cruz Sulfur Ointment 10% (Acne Treatment)
Related soap
- Aluminum Stearate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Magnesium Stearate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Saponified Oils — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Zinc Stearate — May trigger · Limited evidence
Sources
- Brunke & Hube 2006 — MfLIP1 extracellular lipase hydrolyses Tweens (Microbiology)
- Mayser et al. 1995 — ester hydrolysis depends on alcohol moiety (Acta Derm Venereol)
- EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Sodium Laurate trigger fungal acne?
We flag it as a potential trigger (limited evidence). That means it belongs to a class the Malassezia yeast is known to feed on — not that every product with it will cause a flare. Concentration, formulation and individual skin chemistry matter.
Does Sodium Laurate feed Malassezia?
Yes: we flag Sodium Laurate as a potential trigger (limited evidence). It belongs to a class Malassezia is known to feed on — not a claim that every product with it causes a flare. Concentration, formulation and individual skin chemistry matter.
How confident is this call?
Limited evidence: The sodium salt of lauric acid; same salt-reverts-to-acid basis as the ruled Saponified Oils.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Sodium Laurate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.