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Moumoujus

POTASSIUM OLEATE.

Valuable CAS 143-18-0 / 23282-35-1 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Potassium Oleate is a fatty acid salt derived from oleic acid, functioning as a key emulsifier and surfactant in skincare. It effectively cleanses the skin by reducing surface tension and stabilizes emulsions, ensuring uniform product texture. Research highlights its potential for superior cellular compatibility and reduced irritation compared to traditional synthetic surfactants.

Summary

emulsifying surfactant foaming agent skin penetration enhancer bactericidal

Science

Mechanism of Action

Potassium Oleate operates primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant. As a surfactant, it lowers the surface tension of liquids, facilitating the removal of impurities and effective cleansing of the skin. As an emulsifier, it stabilizes formulations by blending immiscible substances like oil and water, preventing their separation and maintaining product consistency. It also acts as a foaming agent and may enhance the dermal penetration of other active ingredients in a preparation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical research indicates Potassium Oleate possesses bactericidal properties against various species, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Clostridium difficile. It demonstrated superior efficacy in removing Staphylococcus aureus biofilms compared to SLES and SLS.
  2. 02 Studies show significantly higher viability of mouse fibroblasts and normal human dermal cells, coupled with reduced LDH leakage (a marker of cytotoxicity), when exposed to Potassium Oleate compared to SLES and SLS. It has also been shown to improve in vitro wound healing in human epidermal keratinocytes.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 9 – 11.6
0 7 14

Stability

Potassium Oleate exhibits robust chemical stability across a wide pH range, specifically between 9.0 and 11.6. Optimal stability is observed between pH 10 and 11.6 in a 10% solution. A 1% solution typically presents a pH between 9.5 and 11.4, dissolving freely in water to produce mildly basic solutions.

Conflicts

  • In its pure or highly concentrated form, Potassium Oleate can act as an irritant to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, necessitating careful formulation to ensure non-irritating and non-sensitizing end-products.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Panel has concluded that Potassium Oleate is safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. The FDA also recognizes its safe use in food as a binder, emulsifier, and anti-caking agent. No SCCS opinion was identified in the available research.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Potassium Oleate is a valuable ingredient, offering effective emulsifying and surfactant properties for stable, cleansing formulations, with evidence suggesting superior cellular compatibility and potential antimicrobial benefits over conventional alternatives.

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