# Lauryl Alcohol

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 112-53-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Lauryl alcohol (CAS 112-53-8) is a fatty alcohol derived from natural sources or synthetic production, used as a flavoring agent and adjuvant in food products. It contributes to flavor profiles and product texture in various food applications.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Lauryl Alcohol?

Lauryl alcohol, also known as 1-dodecanol or dodecyl alcohol, is a 12-carbon straight-chain fatty alcohol with the molecular formula C₁₂H₂₆O. It occurs naturally in coconut oil and palm oil but is also produced synthetically through the hydrogenation of lauric acid or reduction of lauryl aldehyde. The compound exists as a waxy solid at room temperature with a faint, characteristic odor.

## Common Uses

In food applications, lauryl alcohol functions primarily as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant. It is used in small quantities to enhance or modify flavor profiles in various food products. Beyond food, lauryl alcohol serves as an ingredient in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial applications where its emulsifying and surfactant properties are valued. The food industry incorporates it at levels typically below 0.1% by weight in finished products.

## Safety Assessment

Lauryl alcohol has a relatively well-established safety profile based on available toxicological data. The FDA has not classified it as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), though it appears in food products under various regulatory frameworks. According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events and zero recalls associated with lauryl alcohol in food applications, indicating no documented consumer safety incidents at typical use levels.

Toxicological studies on lauryl alcohol indicate low acute toxicity when ingested. The compound is readily absorbed and metabolized by the body through standard fatty acid degradation pathways. Dermal and ocular irritation potential exists at high concentrations but is not a concern at food use levels. The substance is not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic by major regulatory bodies including EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and EPA.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of lauryl alcohol varies by jurisdiction. While not GRAS-listed in the United States, it may be used in food products under specific regulatory provisions or as part of flavoring mixtures. In the European Union, lauryl alcohol is not listed on the approved food additives register (E-numbers), though it may be permitted under different regulatory categories depending on application context. Some countries recognize it under cosmetic or food contact substance regulations rather than as a direct food additive.

Manufacturers using lauryl alcohol in food products must comply with local regulations regarding flavoring substances and ingredient declarations. The compound's status as a natural component of certain oils provides some regulatory acceptance in markets favoring naturally-derived ingredients.

## Key Studies

Limited published research specifically examines lauryl alcohol in food contexts, as its use levels are minimal and safety concerns are low. Available dermal and oral toxicity studies in laboratory animals demonstrate no concerning effects at reasonable exposure levels. Metabolism studies confirm that lauryl alcohol follows normal fatty acid degradation pathways, being converted to lauric acid and subsequently metabolized through beta-oxidation. The compound has been included in cosmetic safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel, which found safety margins adequate for its intended uses. Stability and compatibility studies indicate lauryl alcohol maintains functionality across typical food storage conditions.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Lauryl Alcohol — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/lauryl-alcohol. Accessed 2026-05-19.