A soap salt of oleic acid. It cleanses and emulsifies; frequent washing may dry the skin. Moderately tolerated.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
A soap functional surfactant. May dry skin with frequent use.
Sodium Oleate (INCI: Sodium Oleate) is the sodium salt of oleic acid – essentially a soap. In a formula it cleanses and emulsifies, serving as a surfactant and stabilizer in soaps, syndets, and some emulsions. It is a functional cleansing-and-structure ingredient, not a care active. Its job is to lift oil and help bind phases, with no hydration or treatment beyond washing. In rinse-off topical use it has no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding without concern. Tolerance is moderate. Irritation and allergy are low, but as a soap it works at alkaline pH and, with frequent use, can dry the skin and somewhat disturb the barrier, especially on dry skin. In those cases it helps to alternate with lower-pH cleansers.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Sodium Oleate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Sodium Oleate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
A soap salt of oleic acid.
The INCI name is Sodium Oleate. It may also appear as: Натрия олеат.
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