Lauroyl arginine

Lauroyl arginine (CAS 42492-22-8) is a cationic amino acid-based surfactant derived from lauric acid and L-arginine. It functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and surface-active ingredient across personal care, food, and pharmaceutical applications.

In cosmetic formulations, including rinse-off and leave-on products, it provides preservation activity against bacteria, yeasts, and molds. This functionality helps manufacturers reduce their reliance on conventional parabens or isothiazolinones.

Food manufacturers use this compound as a surface treatment agent on fresh produce and processed foods. It effectively controls microbial contamination, which is essential for shelf life extension and maintaining product safety standards.

In pharmaceutical topical preparations, it supports preservation while contributing mild conditioning and wetting properties. These characteristics improve skin feel and formulation spreadability for various medical and therapeutic creams.

Personal care formulators also incorporate it into hair care products where its cationic nature promotes substantivity to hair and scalp surfaces. This ensures the active ingredient remains effective even after the rinsing process.

Lauroyl arginine is commercially available as a white to off-white powder or as a liquid dispersion. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commonly supplied versions for industrial and commercial manufacturing needs.

The ethyl ester hydrochloride salt form is a distinct but related commercial variant often found in the market. Buyers should confirm purity grade and counterion form when sourcing to ensure regulatory compliance in their target market.