Sophorolipids
Biosurfactant produced by Candida bombicola yeast fermentation. Eco-friendly alternative to synthetic surfactants, gentle cleansing.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Sophorolipids (INCI Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment) are a group of biosurfactants produced by Candida bombicola yeast fermenting a mix of glucose and rapeseed methyl ester. A biodegradable, non-toxic alternative to synthetic surfactants. Mechanism. The glycolipid molecules are amphiphilic: the hydrophilic part (sophorose) dissolves in water, the hydrophobic (fatty acid) in oils. They gently emulsify sebum and surface soils without disrupting the barrier as severely as anionic surfactants. Where applied. Eco cleansing formulas, micellar waters, sulfate-free shampoos. In Spain – ingredient in clean products by Freshly Cosmetics and Naobay. Evidence base. In vitro effect against Cutibacterium acnes and S. aureus (Sołowiej 2018, Borsanyiova 2016) – interesting in the microbiome-friendly cosmetics context. Clinical data on acne or dermatitis efficacy are scarce. Safety. Biodegradable with low aquatic toxicity. CIR has not issued a dedicated report but monitors the class as safe. Non-sensitizing, non-comedogenic. Pregnancy and lactation – safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sophorolipids safe during pregnancy?
Sophorolipids is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Sophorolipids for?
Sophorolipids suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Sophorolipids and what does it do in cosmetics?
Biosurfactant produced by Candida bombicola yeast fermentation.
What's the INCI name for Sophorolipids?
The INCI name is Candida Bombicola/Glucose/Methyl Rapeseedate Ferment. It may also appear as: Candida Bombicola Ferment, Sophorolipids.
See Sophorolipids in a product composition right on the store page
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.
Similar role in the formula
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