Sodium Pectate is the sodium salt of pectic acid, a polygalacturonic-acid-based polysaccharide. It is also known as sodium polypectate, sodium polygalacturonate and polygalacturonic acid sodium salt. FDA's substance registry lists Sodium Pectate among the common names of sodium polygalacturonate.
Sodium Pectate differs from ordinary pectin because the carboxyl groups of the pectin-derived polymer are present predominantly in their sodium salt form. This gives the material different ionic and hydration characteristics from esterified pectin.
Sodium Pectate consists of a polymeric backbone based primarily on α-(1→4)-linked D-galacturonic acid units. Sodium ions neutralize the carboxylate groups of the polymer.
Unlike small-molecule cosmetic ingredients, Sodium Pectate is a polymer and therefore does not have one fixed molecular weight. Its molecular characteristics depend on the source, extraction, purification and processing conditions.
Sodium Pectate can interact with water and form aqueous polymeric systems. Its viscosity and hydration behavior depend on concentration, molecular weight, ionic strength, pH and processing conditions.
Sodium Pectate contains negatively charged carboxylate groups and can interact with multivalent metal ions. Commercial sodium polypectate materials are documented as capable of sequestering metal ions.
This ionic behavior makes Sodium Pectate technically different from highly esterified pectin and can influence its rheological and formulation properties.
Sodium Pectate can be evaluated in selected cosmetic and personal-care formulations where a water-compatible polysaccharide or ionic polymer is required. Its potential formulation roles depend on the grade and formulation system.
Possible areas of evaluation include aqueous gels, emulsion systems, skin-care formulations and other water-containing cosmetic products.
Sodium Pectate can be evaluated in creams, lotions, gels and masks where a polysaccharide-based formulation modifier is required.
Its suitability depends on the intended formulation function, concentration, molecular characteristics and compatibility with other ingredients.
Sodium Pectate may be evaluated in selected hair-care formulations where water-phase rheology and polymeric formulation structure are important.
Sodium Pectate can form hydrated polymeric systems. Its interaction with divalent ions such as calcium can significantly influence polymer behavior and gel formation.
Therefore, the use of Sodium Pectate in a gel should be assessed together with pH, ionic strength, calcium concentration and other formulation components.
Pectin is a broader family of plant polysaccharides containing varying amounts of esterified galacturonic acid. Sodium Pectate represents a much more de-esterified, sodium-neutralized form of the pectic polymer.
The distinction is important when selecting a cosmetic raw material because Pectin, Sodium Pectinate and Sodium Pectate are not interchangeable identities.
Sodium Pectate is commonly identified as sodium polypectate/sodium polygalacturonate and is associated with CAS 9049-37-0.
Sodium Pectinate, on the other hand, is identified by FDA as CAS 9005-59-8.
These should therefore be maintained as separate product records in an ingredient database.
Sodium Pectate is a polymeric material, so properties such as molecular weight, viscosity, degree of polymerization, purity and ionic composition can vary between grades.
A commercial sodium polypectate reference from Sigma-Aldrich specifies an assay of ≥75% by titration, a powder form, white to light-brown color and water solubility at 10 mg/mL, producing a hazy to turbid, faintly yellow to yellow solution. It also reports sodium content of 6.5–10.5% by ICP for that specific material.
These values describe that particular analytical material and should not be presented as universal cosmetic-grade specifications.
Sodium Pectate can be evaluated in:
Sodium Pectate is the sodium salt of pectic acid and a polygalacturonic-acid-based polysaccharide.
The commonly documented CAS number for Sodium Pectate/Sodium Polypectate is 9049-37-0.
No. Sodium Pectate is commonly associated with CAS 9049-37-0, whereas FDA identifies Sodium Pectinate as CAS 9005-59-8.
It is a polymer based primarily on α-(1→4)-linked D-galacturonic acid units, with sodium ions associated with the carboxylate groups.
Yes. It is a polymeric polysaccharide.
No. As a polymer, its molecular characteristics vary with chain length and grade.
Sodium Pectate can form hydrated aqueous systems. A commercial sodium polypectate reference reports water solubility at 10 mg/mL, producing a hazy to turbid solution.
Yes. Its negatively charged carboxylate groups can interact with multivalent ions such as calcium, influencing its polymeric behavior.
It can be evaluated as a polysaccharide-based formulation modifier in selected aqueous, gel and personal-care systems.
Important parameters include assay, moisture, ash, molecular weight, viscosity, sodium content, pH, solubility and microbiological quality. Exact limits should be taken from the specific grade's TDS and COA.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |