: 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
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.
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Siena Gagliano, Allure, 26 Feb. 2025
Here, soybean oils and glycerin moisturize skin, while lauric acid helps reduce and treat acne-prone skin.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
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
Studies show that this natural oil is made up mostly of fatty acids, like lauric acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid, and provides a lot of benefits when used in cooking or our hair care and skincare regimens.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024
Eugenol, geraniol, thyme oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, lauric acid, and vitamin E Price: $12.99 for 8-oz bottle Liquid-Vet Flea & Tick+ Support Formula for Dogs is formulated to be naturally effective against ticks and other pests like fleas and mosquitoes.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022
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
Coconut oil contains a type of omega 9 fatty acid, lauric acid, which has several health advantages.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022
It’s a natural oil processed from a coconut kernel, which contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that promotes and increases antimicrobial activity that helps reduce bacteria and other infections and conditions of the skin.
—Deena Campbell, Allure, 4 Aug. 2021
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Siena Gagliano, Allure, 26 Feb. 2025
Here, soybean oils and glycerin moisturize skin, while lauric acid helps reduce and treat acne-prone skin.
—Deanna Pai, Allure, 13 Dec. 2024
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
Studies show that this natural oil is made up mostly of fatty acids, like lauric acid, myristic acid, and linoleic acid, and provides a lot of benefits when used in cooking or our hair care and skincare regimens.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 9 Apr. 2024
Eugenol, geraniol, thyme oil, lemongrass oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, lauric acid, and vitamin E Price: $12.99 for 8-oz bottle Liquid-Vet Flea & Tick+ Support Formula for Dogs is formulated to be naturally effective against ticks and other pests like fleas and mosquitoes.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022
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
Coconut oil contains a type of omega 9 fatty acid, lauric acid, which has several health advantages.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 23 Oct. 2022
It’s a natural oil processed from a coconut kernel, which contains lauric acid, a fatty acid that promotes and increases antimicrobial activity that helps reduce bacteria and other infections and conditions of the skin.
—Deena Campbell, Allure, 4 Aug. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Lauric acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lauric%20acid. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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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