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SODIUM OLEATE.

Valuable CAS 143-19-1 / 16558-02-4 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Sodium Oleate, the sodium salt of oleic acid, is a multi-functional ingredient primarily recognized for its emulsifying and surfactant properties, crucial for stabilizing skincare formulations and enabling effective cleansing. Beyond its foundational roles, it helps maintain the skin's lipid barrier, provides emollient benefits, and can enhance the absorption of other active components.

Summary

Emulsifying Surfactant/Cleansing Foaming Emollient Barrier Support Absorption Enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an anionic surfactant, Sodium Oleate effectively lowers surface tension, allowing for thorough cleansing by emulsifying and removing dirt, oils, and sebum from the skin and hair. It acts as an emulsifier, stabilizing oil-in-water systems to prevent separation of immiscible ingredients. Furthermore, its ability to balance the skin's lipid layer supports a healthy protective barrier, while its inherent emollient properties contribute to a softer skin feel post-cleansing. It also functions as a carrier, potentially improving the dermal penetration and absorption of other active ingredients.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 At a concentration of 0.03 mg/ml, Sodium Oleate enhanced the bactericidal efficacy of ampicillin against M. quaylei biofilms. When combined with 0.1 mg/ml ampicillin, it demonstrated a significant destructive effect on established biofilms.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 7 – 10.5
0 7 14

Stability

Aqueous solutions of Sodium Oleate are alkaline, with a 1% solution typically exhibiting a pH between 9.5 and 10.5, and a 10% solution around pH 10. It maintains stability under normal storage conditions. Its robust emulsifying capabilities make it particularly effective for stabilizing emulsions in creams and lotions.

Synergies

  • Enhances the absorption of other active components, acting as a carrier.

Conflicts

  • Strong acid environments, which can lead to its acidification into oleic acid, potentially causing turbidity, demulsification, or oil precipitation.
  • Electrolytes and inorganic ion impurities, as these can negatively impact foam performance and overall stability, especially in polymer dispersions.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Sodium Oleate is safe in current practices of use and concentration, provided it is formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. While no explicit maximum concentration is specified for cosmetics, its safety is contingent upon these formulation considerations. The FDA recognizes its use as a food additive and lists it as an active ingredient in approved animal drug products. Generally, irritancy is low, but some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin or an allergy to oleic acid, may experience irritation or discomfort (such as redness, pain, rash, cracking, flaking, or drying) at high concentrations or with repeated exposure.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Oleate is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, providing essential emulsifying and cleansing actions while offering emollient benefits and supporting skin barrier function with a generally low risk of irritation when properly formulated.

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