Sodium Rapeseedate

What is Sodium Rapeseedate?

Sodium Rapeseedate is the sodium salt derived from fatty acids of rapeseed oil, sourced from the seeds of Brassica napus, a common oilseed crop. This vegetable-derived ingredient features a carboxylate structure that enables its role as a multifunctional agent in cosmetics. Primarily used in rinse-off formulations such as cleansers, shampoos, and body washes, it lowers surface tension to lift oils and soils effectively. By forming micelles, it facilitates removal of impurities during rinsing. As an emulsifier, it creates a stable barrier between oil and water, ensuring even distribution in creams and lotions. It also modifies product thickness for improved spreadability and suspension of other components, making it valuable in natural-oriented skincare systems.

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:

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.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Viscosity controlling agent

Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.

Benefits

Delivers effective dirt and oil removal through micelle formation.

Stabilizes oil-water blends for smooth, consistent product textures.

Adjusts flow properties to enhance application and stability.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
People preferring natural, vegetable-based cleansers.	Those with allergies to rapeseed or Brassica plants.
Individuals needing non-comedogenic surfactants.	People sensitive to anionic surfactants.
Users of gentle rinse-off products like washes and shampoos.	Individuals with very dry skin prone to moisture loss.

Safety Notes

Low hazard rating from EWG assessments.
Suitable for typical use levels in rinse-off cosmetics.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Rapeseedate

What makes Sodium Rapeseedate suitable for cleansers?

Its ability to reduce surface tension and form micelles removes impurities gently.

Is Sodium Rapeseedate comedogenic?

No, it has a comedogenic rating of 0, safe for pore-prone skin.

Where is it commonly used?

In rinse-off items like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers.