Sodium Surfactin

What is Sodium Surfactin?

Sodium Surfactin is the sodium salt of surfactin, a cyclic lipopeptide biosurfactant produced via fermentation by Bacillus subtilis bacteria. This natural-origin ingredient belongs to the class of microbial surfactants valued for their mildness and biodegradability. In cosmetics, it appears mainly in rinse-off cleansers, shampoos, body washes, and some leave-on emulsions like micellar waters or light lotions. It works by significantly lowering surface tension at the oil-water interface, which allows it to form micelles that trap dirt, sebum, and impurities for easy rinsing. Additionally, it stabilizes emulsions by creating a protective film around oil droplets, prevents particle settling in suspensions, and aids in solubilizing lipophilic actives into watery bases, contributing to clear, uniform product textures.

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.
Solubilizing agent
Helps incorporate oils and fragrance into water-based formulas by forming micro-solutions, enabling clear sprays, toners, and micellar products.
Suspending agent
Keeps insoluble particles (pigments, beads, actives) evenly dispersed by increasing viscosity or forming a network, preventing settling and separation.
Gel forming
Builds a gel network to increase viscosity and structure, improving suspension, spread, and stability in serums, gels, and some emulsions.

Benefits

Delivers thorough cleansing by lifting oils and debris without stripping skin's moisture barrier.

Supports stable product formulations, enhancing texture in cleansers and emulsions.

Offers a biodegradable, nature-derived option for eco-conscious skincare routines.

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 mild, natural surfactants in daily cleansers.
Those with known allergies to fermented microbial ingredients.
People with sensitive skin preferring low-irritation cleansing agents.
People experiencing reactions to peptide-based compounds.
Users of foaming or micellar products wanting effective yet gentle options.
Individuals sensitive to surfactants in general, regardless of origin.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by environmental health assessments, indicating broad tolerability.
  • Demonstrates minimal skin irritation in formulation use per safety reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Surfactin

What makes Sodium Surfactin different from typical surfactants?

It derives from bacterial fermentation, offering milder action and better biodegradability compared to petroleum-based options.

Is Sodium Surfactin suitable for sensitive skin?

Its low irritation profile makes it a favorable choice for sensitive skin in cleansers and emulsions.

Does Sodium Surfactin clog pores?

It carries a zero comedogenic rating, unlikely to contribute to pore blockage.