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SODIUM PALMITATE.

Valuable CAS 408-35-5 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Sodium Palmitate is a versatile fatty acid salt primarily functioning as a cleansing agent and emulsifier in skincare formulations. It efficiently lifts and removes surface impurities while stabilizing product emulsions to maintain a consistent, desirable texture.

Summary

Cleansing Emulsifying Viscosity Controlling Moisturizing Softening Skin Improving Skin Elasticity

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a primary surfactant, Sodium Palmitate reduces the surface tension between immiscible liquids, enabling the effective removal of dirt and excess oils from the skin surface, thereby facilitating thorough cleansing. Simultaneously, it acts as an emulsifier, stabilizing oil and water phases within cosmetic formulations to prevent separation and ensure product homogeneity. It also plays a role in controlling or increasing viscosity and may contribute to moisturizing, softening, and improving skin elasticity in certain product applications.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.06–4.1%
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 9 – 11
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium Palmitate exhibits inherent stability within an alkaline pH range of 9.0 to 11.0 in solution. Its compatibility with a broad spectrum of active ingredients further contributes to the overall stability and extended shelf life of cosmetic formulations.

Synergies

  • Many other active ingredients (enhances product stability)

Conflicts

  • Oxidizing agents (e.g., nitrates, oxidizing acids, chlorine bleaches, pool chlorine) due to potential for ignition.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
4.1%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed Sodium Palmitate safe for use in skincare products when formulated to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing. It has a low hazard rating from EWG, presenting minimal concerns for irritation or sensitization at typical cosmetic concentrations (up to 4.1% in leave-on products). However, when incorporated into cleansing agents at an alkaline pH (typically pH 9-10 in solution, common in bar soaps), it can potentially be drying or mildly irritating, particularly for sensitive or compromised skin.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Palmitate is a valuable multi-functional ingredient for cleansing and emulsification, offering broad utility across various product types, provided its formulation adheres to optimal pH and concentration for maximal skin compatibility.

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