Potassium Undecylenate is the potassium salt of undecylenic acid (undec-10-enoic acid) and is a specialty cosmetic ingredient used primarily for its preservative and surfactant properties. It is identified by CAS Number 6159-41-7, with the molecular formula C₁₁H₂₀KO₂ and molecular weight of approximately 223.37 g/mol.
Undecylenic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid containing an eleven-carbon chain and a terminal double bond. Conversion of the acid into its potassium salt gives the material ionic characteristics that support its use in cleansing and emulsifying systems.
In cosmetic ingredient references, Potassium Undecylenate is recognized for three principal functions: preservative, surfactant – cleansing, and surfactant – emulsifying. Its use is therefore relevant to formulations requiring both fatty-acid-derived surface activity and controlled preservation functionality.
Potassium Undecylenate is chemically described as potassium undec-10-enoate. The chemical formula is C₁₁H₂₀KO₂, corresponding to a molecular weight of 223.37 g/mol.
The material is structurally derived from undecylenic acid, also known as 10-undecenoic acid. Its unsaturated C11 fatty-acid structure differentiates it from shorter-chain caprylate and caprate salts.
Because Potassium Undecylenate is an ionic fatty-acid salt, its physical characteristics can depend on manufacturing process, purity, moisture and formulation grade. Commercial specifications may therefore include assay, moisture, free undecylenic acid, potassium content, pH, appearance and other quality parameters.
There is no single universally applicable cosmetic HPLC assay specification that should be inserted into every product page. Consequently, the Assay (HPLC) field should remain N/A unless the actual SDP product is tested using a validated HPLC procedure.
Potassium Undecylenate has several recognized cosmetic functions. As a preservative, it can be used to help protect suitable cosmetic formulations against microbial spoilage. It is also classified as a cleansing surfactant, allowing it to contribute surface-active properties in cleansing systems.
Its third recognized function is emulsifying surfactant. This makes it relevant to formulations where controlled interaction between aqueous and oily phases is required.
The functional performance of Potassium Undecylenate depends on the complete formulation, including concentration, pH, water activity, other surfactants and the presence of other preservation ingredients. It should therefore be evaluated according to the intended finished cosmetic product rather than treated as a universal-purpose ingredient.
Potassium Undecylenate can be considered for:
Its use is particularly relevant where a formulation developer requires a potassium salt of undecylenic acid rather than undecylenic acid itself.
The ingredient is also distinct from Sodium Undecylenate and Calcium Undecylenate. Although these materials are salts of the same fatty acid, their cation, physical properties and regulatory treatment can differ.
Potassium Undecylenate should be evaluated for pH, concentration, solubility, moisture, compatibility and preservation performance during formulation development.
Because it is a fatty-acid potassium salt, its behavior can be affected by the aqueous phase and other ionic ingredients. Formulators should also consider the interaction of the material with other surfactants and emulsifying systems.
Regulatory concentration limits are particularly important. Under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, Undec-10-enoic acid and its salts, including Potassium Undecylenate, are listed in Annex V with a maximum concentration of 0.2% expressed as acid in ready-to-use cosmetic preparations. The ASEAN Cosmetic Directive likewise lists the group at 0.2% as acid. These limits are market-specific and should not automatically be applied to every jurisdiction.
Potassium Undecylenate is a specialized cosmetic ingredient used in preservative, cleansing and emulsifying systems. A Potassium Undecylenate Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India can support cosmetic and personal-care manufacturers requiring this specialty fatty-acid salt for formulation development and bulk production.
For B2B procurement, buyers should evaluate CAS identity, purity, moisture, free undecylenic acid, potassium content, physical form and batch documentation. The actual product specification should be matched with the intended cosmetic application and target-market regulations.
As a specialized cosmetic raw material and personal care ingredient, Potassium Undecylenate can be considered for manufacturers developing cleansing, emulsifying and preservation systems where undecylenate functionality is required.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |