Lauric acid is a saturated fat. It is found in many vegetable fats, particularly in coconut and palm kernel oils. Lauric acid, C12H24O2, also known as dodecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 12-carbon atom chain. The powdery, white crystalline acid has a slight odor of oil of bay and occurs naturally in various plant and animal fats and oils. Lauric acid is a major component of coconut oil and palm kernel oil.