Hydroxylauric Acid
AKA “2-Hydroxydodecanoic acid, 2-Hydroxylauric acid, 2-hydroxy lauric acid, Dodecanoic acid, EINECS 221-048-0, NSC-39025, DL-2-HYDROXYLAURIC ACID”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Hydroxylauric acid
AKA: 2-Hydroxydodecanoic acid, 2-Hydroxylauric acid, 2-hydroxy lauric acid, Dodecanoic acid, EINECS 221-048-0, NSC-39025, DL-2-HYDROXYLAURIC ACID
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle fatty acid that helps soften and hydrate skin, maintaining its natural moisture barrier for a smoother, more comfortable complexion.
Formula
C12H24O3
Mol. Weight
216.32
CAS #
2984-55-6
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic fatty acid derivative developed for modern cosmetics as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. No traditional use; created in the 20th century to provide specific texture and stability properties in contemporary formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR