Sodium Undecylenate is the sodium salt of undecylenic acid (10-undecenoic acid) and is a specialty cosmetic ingredient used in preservation and surfactant systems. It is identified by CAS Number 3398-33-2, EC Number 222-264-8, molecular formula C₁₁H₁₉NaO₂, and molecular weight of approximately 206.26 g/mol.
The ingredient belongs to the undecylenate family of fatty-acid salts. Its molecular structure combines an eleven-carbon unsaturated fatty chain with a sodium carboxylate group. This gives Sodium Undecylenate surface-active characteristics and makes it relevant to cleansing and emulsifying formulations in addition to its preservative function.
Sodium Undecylenate should be distinguished from Sodium Caprylate and Sodium Caprate, because the carbon-chain length and chemical structure affect formulation behavior and application characteristics.
Sodium Undecylenate is chemically known as sodium undec-10-enoate or undecylenic acid sodium salt. The molecular formula is C₁₁H₁₉NaO₂ and the molecular weight is 206.26 g/mol.
The ingredient is generally considered a synthetic cosmetic raw material. Cosmetic ingredient references identify Sodium Undecylenate as having three principal functions: preservative, surfactant – cleansing, and surfactant – emulsifying.
The actual physical appearance and analytical specifications can vary according to manufacturing process and grade. Therefore, parameters such as assay, moisture, free undecylenic acid, pH, residue and elemental impurities should be established from the actual product specification.
There is no sufficiently reliable universal cosmetic HPLC assay specification that should be applied to every Sodium Undecylenate grade. The Assay (HPLC) field should therefore remain N/A unless the supplied material has a validated HPLC method.
Sodium Undecylenate is primarily used as a preservative and is also recognized as a cleansing and emulsifying surfactant.
As a preservative ingredient, it can contribute to the protection of suitable cosmetic formulations from microbial spoilage. This function is particularly relevant in formulations containing water, where microbial control is an important aspect of product stability.
As a surfactant, Sodium Undecylenate can assist cleansing systems by providing surface-active properties. Its emulsifying function can also support suitable oil-and-water formulation systems.
The actual performance depends on formulation pH, concentration, water activity, other preservatives, surfactants and the overall formulation matrix. It should therefore be evaluated as part of the complete preservation and formulation system.
Sodium Undecylenate can be considered for:
Its application should be determined according to the target market and applicable cosmetic regulations.
For example, the current EU Cosmetics Regulation lists Undec-10-enoic acid and its salts, including Sodium Undecylenate, as permitted preservatives at a maximum concentration of 0.2% as acid in ready-to-use cosmetic preparations.
Regulatory limits are jurisdiction-specific and should not automatically be transferred to markets outside the EU.
Sodium Undecylenate should be evaluated for pH, concentration, solubility, moisture, purity, free undecylenic acid and compatibility with the other ingredients in the formulation.
Because it is an ionic fatty-acid salt, its behavior can be affected by the aqueous phase, electrolyte concentration and other ionic surfactants. Formulators should assess preservation performance using appropriate finished-product testing rather than relying solely on the raw-material identity.
The regulatory treatment is also important. In the EU, the maximum concentration is expressed as undec-10-enoic acid, rather than simply as the mass percentage of Sodium Undecylenate.
The Korean Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary also identifies Sodium Undecylenate and specifies a 0.2% as acid limit for rinse-off products, while indicating that it is not permitted in other product types under that national framework.
Sodium Undecylenate is a specialized cosmetic ingredient for manufacturers developing preservative, cleansing and emulsifying systems. A Sodium Undecylenate Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India can support B2B cosmetic and personal-care manufacturers requiring this specialty undecylenate salt.
For procurement, buyers should review the CAS number, EC number, assay, moisture, free undecylenic acid, appearance, solubility and applicable regulatory documentation. The actual product COA should be matched with the intended grade and market.
As a specialized cosmetic raw material and personal care ingredient, Sodium Undecylenate can be evaluated for formulations where controlled undecylenate-based preservative and surfactant functionality is required.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |