FlavScents AInsights Entry for Lauryl Sultaine (CAS: 14933-08-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Lauryl sultaine, also known as dodecyl sultaine, is a zwitterionic surfactant commonly used in personal care products. Its IUPAC name is N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate. The CAS number for lauryl sultaine is 14933-08-5. While it does not have a FEMA number, it is recognized in various chemical databases. The molecular formula is C16H35NO3S, and it has a molecular weight of 321.52 g/mol. Lauryl sultaine contains functional groups such as sulfonate and quaternary ammonium, which contribute to its surfactant properties, though it is not typically associated with odor or flavor characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Lauryl sultaine is not primarily used for its sensory properties in flavors or fragrances. It is generally odorless and tasteless, which makes it suitable for applications where the presence of a surfactant is needed without altering the sensory profile of the product. Its role is more functional than sensory, often used to enhance the texture or stability of formulations rather than contribute to flavor or fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Lauryl sultaine is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally. It is typically produced through the reaction of lauryl dimethylamine with propane sultone. This synthetic origin means it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks. Its formation is a result of chemical synthesis rather than natural biosynthetic pathways.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Lauryl sultaine is not commonly used in flavor formulations due to its lack of sensory impact. However, it may be used in flavor systems as a processing aid or to improve the solubility and dispersion of other flavor compounds. Typical use levels in food or beverage applications are not well-documented, as its primary function is not flavor-related. Stability considerations include good resistance to heat and pH variations, making it suitable for a range of processing conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, lauryl sultaine is valued for its surfactant properties rather than its scent. It is used in personal care products such as shampoos and body washes to enhance foaming and improve the texture of the product. It does not contribute to the fragrance profile but supports the overall formulation by ensuring even distribution of fragrance compounds. Typical concentration ranges are not specified for fragrance impact, as its role is functional.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
Lauryl sultaine is generally recognized as safe for use in personal care products across various regions. In the United States, it is not specifically listed under FEMA GRAS for flavor use but is permitted in cosmetics. The European Union allows its use under cosmetic regulations, and it is not restricted under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavors. In the UK, post-Brexit regulations align closely with the EU. In Asia, including Japan and China, it is commonly used in personal care products. In Latin America, it is similarly accepted in cosmetic applications.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Lauryl sultaine is considered safe for use in personal care products with low risk of oral, dermal, or inhalation toxicity. It is not typically ingested, so oral exposure is minimal. Dermal exposure is common, and it is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use concentrations. Inhalation exposure is limited due to its low volatility. Safety assessments focus on its use in rinse-off products, where exposure is transient.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Lauryl sultaine is valued for its ability to enhance foam and improve the texture of personal care formulations. It synergizes well with other surfactants, providing mildness and stability. Formulators should be aware of its potential to reduce irritation compared to other surfactants. It is often under-utilized in formulations where mildness is a priority, and overuse can lead to unnecessary cost without additional benefit.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on lauryl sultaine is well-established in the context of personal care applications, with extensive industry experience supporting its safety and efficacy. However, specific data on flavor use is limited due to its primary role as a surfactant. Regulatory information is consistent across major markets, though documentation on flavor applications is sparse.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1-9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges (not applicable for this material)
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for this material)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-06-30 03:44:56 GMT (p2)