Potassium laurate

Potassium laurate (CAS 10124-65-9), also known as potassium dodecanoate, is the potassium salt of lauric acid used commercially as a surfactant and emulsifier. It functions as a cleansing, foaming, and dispersing agent across personal care, food processing, and industrial applications. In personal care formulations, it acts as a primary surfactant in liquid soaps, shampoos, and cleansing bars, contributing lather and skin-compatible cleansing performance. Food-grade applications include emulsification and pH buffering in processed food systems.

These applications are common where fatty acid salts are permitted as functional additives. Textile and leather processing operations use it as a degreasing and wetting agent to prepare fiber and hide surfaces before dyeing or finishing. In paper manufacturing, it supports surface treatment and dispersion of coating formulations. Potassium laurate is supplied as a liquid solution or paste, with concentration typically ranging from 20% to 40% active content.

The specific concentration depends on the intended application and formulation requirements. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are available to meet formulator and regulatory requirements for safety and purity. Technical-grade material is also offered for industrial cleaning and textile processing end uses. This versatile chemical ensures high performance across diverse sectors including manufacturing and consumer goods production.