CAS#: 1643-20-5
CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers are unique identifiers assigned to every chemical substance, ensuring accurate identification across the industry.
What is it?
Lauramine oxide is a semi-polar surfactant derived from plant-based lauric acid, typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. This versatile cleaning agent serves multiple functions in detergent formulations, acting as both a surfactant and a foam stabilizer. Its plant-derived origin makes it a preferred alternative to petroleum-based cleaning agents.
What does it do?
Lauramine oxide works as a secondary surfactant that enhances the overall cleaning performance of our detergent formulations. It excels at surrounding and lifting dirt, grease, and deposits from fabric surfaces, working synergistically with primary surfactants to improve soil removal. Additionally, lauramine oxide helps stabilize foam, thicken the detergent formula, and acts as a hydrotrope—helping dissolve other ingredients and keeping them in solution. This ingredient is particularly valued for being gentle on fabrics while maintaining strong cleaning power, making it ideal for delicate textiles.
How is it made?
Lauramine oxide is produced through a chemical process called oxidation. Lauric acid (from coconut or palm kernel oil) is first converted to lauryl amine (an amine derivative). This amine is then reacted with hydrogen peroxide under controlled heat conditions. Sodium sulfite is added to neutralize any excess peroxide, and the lauramine oxide is filtered to ensure purity. The result is a plant-derived surfactant with excellent cleaning and mildness properties.
Safety & Certifications
Lauramine oxide meets the stringent safety standards required for EPA Safer Choice certification:
- EPA Safer Choice Approved: Pre-approved ingredient meeting EPA's criteria for human health and environmental safety
- Plant-Derived: Made from renewable coconut or palm kernel oil, not petroleum
- Biodegradable: Breaks down readily in the environment
- Mild and Gentle: Known for being less irritating than many other surfactants, suitable for sensitive skin
- Multi-functional: Reduces the need for additional ingredients in formulations
- EWG Verified: Meets Environmental Working Group's strictest standards for health and transparency
All Heritage Park detergents containing this ingredient are both EPA Safer Choice Certified and EWG VERIFIED®, providing independent, third-party validation of safety.
What product is this ingredient in?
All-Purpose Detergents:
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Fragrance-Free
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Shore Breeze
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Lavender Mist
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Spring Magnolia
Silk & Wool Detergents:
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Fragrance-Free
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Lavender Mist
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Spring Magnolia
Specialty Detergents:
* Not yet EPA Safer Choice Certified or EWG VERIFIED