The name "lauroyl" refers to the fatty acid component lauric acid (dodecanoic acid, also called lauric acid) in the molecule. Sarcosinates are N-acyl derivatives of sarcosine (N-methylglycine, an amino acid). Lauroyl sarcosine is used in cosmetic formulations. The lauric acid derivative acts as an antistatic agent (acts antistatic = reduces static charges by neutralizing the electric charge on the surface of e.g. hair), surfactant (washing-active substance; cleans the body surface) and hair conditioning agent (makes the hair easy to comb, smooth, soft and shiny and gives it volume).