The Beauty Signal
Intelligence · Ingredients

The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.

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Amino Acid Surfactants

aka sodium lauroyl glutamate · sodium cocoyl glycinate · sodium lauroyl sarcosinate · potassium cocoyl glycinate

Dominant surfactant class in clean-positioned and K-beauty cleansers through 2024–2026, displacing SLS/SLES. Barrier preservation data and biodegradability credentials drive adoption.

Benefits
  • Mild cleansing with low irritation potential
  • Biodegradable
  • Compatible with skin's acidic pH (~5.5)
  • Less denaturing than sulfate surfactants
  • Wide foam quality and cleansing strength profiles
Example uses
  • Foaming gel cleansers
  • Cream cleansers
  • Shampoo and scalp care
  • Micellar cleansing waters
  • Exfoliating cleansers with AHAs
Formulation notes

Optimal pH 4.5–6.5. Foam volume typically lower than SLS. Combination with cocamidopropyl betaine improves foam aesthetics.

Watchouts

Variable cleansing efficacy against heavy makeup and sunscreen. Higher cost drives temptation to underdose. Natural origin framing is only partially accurate.

Clean beauty perception

Strongly preferred in clean and K-beauty. EWG ratings 1–2. One of the more defensible clean-beauty ingredient narratives.