Ethyl lauroyl arginate

Ethyl lauroyl arginate (CAS 48076-74-0), also known as lauric arginate ethyl ester, is a cationic surfactant derived from lauric acid and the amino acid arginine. It functions as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent used across food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical preservation systems. In food manufacturing, it is approved as a surface antimicrobial for processed meats, poultry, and ready-to-eat products. It controls Listeria, E. coli, and other spoilage organisms without affecting sensory attributes.

Personal care formulators incorporate it into rinse-off and leave-on products such as shampoos, conditioners, and skin creams. Its cationic charge provides both preservation and surface-conditioning effects on hair and skin substrates. In oral care, it is used in mouthwashes and toothpastes as an antimicrobial active targeting biofilm-forming bacteria. This makes it a versatile ingredient for maintaining hygiene in various consumer health applications.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers apply it as a preservative in topical formulations where conventional parabens or phenoxyethanol are restricted. This is often driven by regulatory requirements or specific consumer preference constraints. The material is supplied as a white to off-white powder or as a liquid concentrate, depending on the grade and intended application. Food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications are the most commercially prevalent.

Purity levels are typically at or above 95% for standard industrial batches. Buyers should confirm grade suitability against regional regulatory approvals, as permitted use levels and applications vary between markets.