Sodium Palm Kernelate
Cleansing Agent
No known benefits
Sodium Palm Kernelate at a glance
- Surfactant in bar soaps and other skin-cleansers
- Plays secondary emulsifier and viscosity-adjusting roles
- Derived from palm kernel oil that's treated with sodium hydroxide
- Falls in the mid-range for mild-to-harsh surfactants
Sodium Palm Kernelate description
Sodium palm kernelate is a surfactant commonly found in bar soaps and other cleansing products. It also plays a role in influencing the viscosity and emulsification of cosmetic formulations, helping to maintain a consistent texture and appearance. Sodium palm kernelate is derived from palm kernel oil and is created through a process where it is treated with sodium hydroxide. Research indicates that sodium palm kernelate falls in the middle range on the scale of mild to harsh surfactants. In 2017, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel assessed this ingredient and concluded it is safe for cosmetic use when formulated to be non-irritating. Their report examined 194 personal care formulations containing sodium palm kernelate in concentrations ranging from 12% to 44%.