Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate

What is Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate?

Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate is a synthetic anionic surfactant produced by esterifying stearic acid, a saturated fatty acid from plant or animal sources, with methyl taurine. Commonly found in facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, and light emulsions, it works by lowering the surface tension of liquids to mix water and oils effectively. This enables the formation of micelles that trap dirt, excess sebum, and makeup for effortless rinsing. In formulations, it generates creamy, stable foam under agitation, improving product distribution and cleansing efficiency. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping to blend oily and watery phases in oil-cleansing balms or milky lotions. Valued for its balanced performance, it delivers effective cleaning with a profile gentler than many traditional surfactants, supporting comfortable use in daily routines.

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

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Cleansing agent
Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.

Benefits

Delivers mild cleansing that respects the skin barrier.

Produces rich, stable foam for enhanced product application.

Supports emulsion stability in creamy cleansers and washes.

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 with sensitive skin needing gentle daily cleansers.
Those with rare allergies to taurate-based surfactants.
People with acne-prone skin preferring non-comedogenic options.
People sensitive to mild anionic surfactants.
Users seeking sulfate alternatives with good foaming.
Individuals opting for entirely surfactant-free routines.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use in rinse-off products.
  • Shows low potential for skin or eye irritation in assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Methyl Stearoyl Taurate

What role does it play in products?

It acts as a surfactant to cleanse, foam, and emulsify, helping remove impurities gently.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Yes, its mild nature makes it a good choice for those with delicate skin.

Does it clog pores?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, making it non-pore-clogging.