: a crystalline fatty acid C12H24O2 found especially in coconut oil and used chiefly in making soaps and esters
Examples of lauric acid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This bar delivered thanks to its rich lather and moisturizing texture, a result of the lauric acid (which is a fatty acid that helps fight germs and emulsify the hard bar into a big, fluffy lather) baked in the soap.
—
Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Another plus point on her list: lauric acid can have a subtle whitening effect.
—Maria Goldbach, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2025
Coconut oil has a very high saturated fat content, most of which is medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid, and is high in calories.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025
The formula also includes lauric acid, a fatty acid found in coconut milk that acts as a cleansing agent, with recent studies showing it can help prevent acne-causing bacteria as well.
—Siena Gagliano, Allure, 26 Feb. 2025
As a familiar ingredient in Black households, coconut oil has no cholesterol or fiber and a small amount of nutrients, like lauric acid and plant sterols.
—Essence, 28 June 2024
Apples are full of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while coconut oil provides lauric acid, which supports fat metabolism.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022
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Olivia Rose Rushing, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
Another plus point on her list: lauric acid can have a subtle whitening effect.
—Maria Goldbach, Vogue, 16 Oct. 2025
Coconut oil has a very high saturated fat content, most of which is medium-chain triglycerides and lauric acid, and is high in calories.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025
The formula also includes lauric acid, a fatty acid found in coconut milk that acts as a cleansing agent, with recent studies showing it can help prevent acne-causing bacteria as well.
—Siena Gagliano, Allure, 26 Feb. 2025
As a familiar ingredient in Black households, coconut oil has no cholesterol or fiber and a small amount of nutrients, like lauric acid and plant sterols.
—Essence, 28 June 2024
Apples are full of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while coconut oil provides lauric acid, which supports fat metabolism.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Lauric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lauric%20acid. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lauric acid
noun
lau·ric acid
ˌlȯr-ik-, ˌlär- 
: a crystalline fatty acid C12H24O2 found especially in coconut oil and used in making soaps, esters, and lauryl alcohol
called also dodecanoic acid
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