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SODIUM PALMATE.

Valuable CAS 61790-79-2 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Sodium Palmate is a saponified fatty acid salt derived from palm oil, serving as a foundational ingredient in a wide array of personal care formulations. It primarily functions to effectively cleanse the skin by removing impurities while also contributing to product stability and texture.

Summary

Cleansing Emulsifying Viscosity Controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a surfactant, Sodium Palmate's molecular structure, featuring distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, enables it to significantly reduce the surface tension between disparate components, such as oil and water. This action facilitates the encapsulation of dirt, excess oil, and pollutants on the skin's surface, allowing them to be efficiently rinsed away. Beyond cleansing, it acts as an emulsifier, stabilizing oil- and water-based mixtures, and serves as a viscosity-increasing agent, particularly in solid soap formulations where it contributes to lather formation.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Sodium Palmate is a primary functional ingredient, often present at high concentrations (up to 68%) in cleansing formulations, reflecting its role as a key surfactant and soap base rather than an ingredient used at sub-efficacious, 'dusted' levels.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 9 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium Palmate maintains optimal stability within alkaline conditions, typically between pH 9.0 and 10.0 in solution, characteristic of its nature as a soap base.

Conflicts

  • Oxidizing agents (e.g., nitrates, oxidizing acids, chlorine bleaches) due to potential for ignition.
  • Hard water (containing Ca2+ ions) can lead to the formation of insoluble salts, resulting in precipitation and 'soap scum'.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
68%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Moderate

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded in 2017 that Sodium Palmate is safe for cosmetic use at concentrations up to 68%, provided it is formulated to be non-irritating. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified soap salts, including Sodium Palmate, as being of low concern and not reproductive or developmental toxicants, further supporting its safety profile.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Palmate is a valuable foundational ingredient for cleansing and emulsification in a broad range of personal care products, demonstrating a well-established safety profile when optimally formulated to mitigate its moderate irritancy potential.

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