Snapshot
- Overview
- A soap-based cleanser that breaks down heavy oils and residue.
- Category
- Cleansing, Emulsifying
- Type
- Surfactant
Sodium Oleate
Sodium Oleate is the sodium salt of oleic acid and acts as an anionic surfactant. It's used in bar soaps and industrial or cosmetic cleaners for strong detergency, and in some emulsions as a co-emulsifier where pH conditions keep it ionized.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Sodium Oleate a Good Ingredient?
It rates Fair: strong cleansing from this soap-type, pH-dependent surfactant can raise alkalinity and disturb the skin barrier, increasing dryness and irritation risk. It's best limited to rinse-off systems and may not suit very sensitive or dry skin.
What it does
Skin Benefits
It effectively breaks down heavy oils and residue for a thorough clean, though performance and skin feel depend on the formula's alkalinity, which can influence mildness.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
It's frequently used in bar soaps and some liquid cleansers for strong cleansing, and occasionally in alkaline emulsions or creams as a soap-type co-stabilizer.
Before you use it
Safety
It's more likely to cause dryness, tightness, or stinging in high-alkaline formulas or at higher levels, so rinse thoroughly. Those with dry or compromised skin should limit exposure. No specific cosmetic regulatory restrictions are noted when it's formulated appropriately.
Products with Sodium Oleate
