Sodium Arachidate

What is Sodium Arachidate?

Sodium Arachidate is the sodium salt of arachidic acid, a long-chain saturated fatty acid with 20 carbon atoms, sourced naturally from plant oils such as peanut and rapeseed. In cosmetics, it serves in emulsified formulations like moisturizers, cleansers, and shampoos. It works by reducing surface tension between oil and water, enabling them to blend into stable mixtures. This forms a protective layer around droplets, preventing separation and ensuring product consistency over time. It also balances pH to keep formulations gentle and adjusts thickness for smooth application and even distribution on skin. Derived from fatty acids common in nature, it integrates well into routines focused on everyday hydration and cleansing without heaviness.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Buffering agent
Maintains the pH stability of a formulation.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Emulsion stabilizer
Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Supports even blending of ingredients for consistent product texture.

Maintains stable pH to preserve formula gentleness.

Enhances thickness for improved spreadability and feel.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking non-pore-clogging emulsion-based products.
People with rare sensitivities to fatty acid salts.
Users preferring stable, everyday lotions and cleansers.
Individuals allergic to sources like peanut oil.
Those wanting mild viscosity control in skincare.
Those preferring anhydrous, surfactant-free formulas.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard in cosmetic concentrations.
  • Typically non-comedogenic with minimal pore-clogging risk.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Arachidate

What is Sodium Arachidate?

A sodium salt of arachidic acid from plant oils, used to mix oil and water in cosmetics stably.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

It has a low hazard rating and shows minimal irritation in formulations.

Does it clog pores?

Rated 0 for comedogenicity, making it suitable for pore-conscious users.