Lauric acid is a fatty acid with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)10COOH. it is a white solid and an oily substance at room temperature. Lauric acid is commonly used in food, cosmetics and detergents for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Laurate is an esterification product produced by the reaction of lauric acid with an alcohol. It is a fatty acid ester compound that contains an alcohol group in its chemical structure. Laurate is usually liquid or semi-solid and has good solubility and stability. Laurate is commonly used in food additives, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and industry, for example as a lubricant, antioxidant and solvent.

Although lauric acid and laurate are similar in nomenclature, they are different substances. Lauric acid is a fatty acid, while laurate is an esterification product obtained by reacting lauric acid with an alcohol. Therefore, lauric acid and laurate are not the same thing.