"Lauryl" refers to lauryl alcohol (1-dodecanol) as the alcoholic component. "Sultaines" refers to a group of organic compounds which are chemically defined as sulfobetaines (sulfobetaines contain sulfur) and which, due to their molecular structure, carry both a positive and a negative charge (see also betaines).
Lauryl hydroxysultaines are used in cosmetic formulations. The substance acts as a surfactant (washing-active substance), skin care product, foaming agent (increases the foam formation and improves volume, structure and durability of the foam) and antistatic agent (reduces static charges by neutralizing the electric charge on the surface of e.g. hair).