Sodium Palm Kernelate

Sodium palm kernelate is a salt of palm kernel oil fatty acids, primarily used as a cleansing agent and lather booster in bar soaps and other personal care products. It contributes to the hardness and cleansing properties of soap. Like other strong cleansers, it can be drying to the skin.

BenefitMinimal 0.8 / 4

RiskLow 1.2 / 4

Irritation i1.5 / 4

Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.

Sensitization i1 / 4

Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.

Systemic exposure i0.5 / 4

Whether it has meaningful potential to be absorbed into the body at levels that may matter biologically. Most cosmetic ingredients score low unless there is known concern or high exposure.

Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.

What it helps with

• effective cleansing
• lathering agent

Things to watch

• potential for skin dryness
• can be irritating for sensitive skin

Products with Sodium Palm Kernelate

Browse all products →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between sodium palmate and sodium palm kernelate?

Both are derived from palm oil, but sodium palmate comes from palm fruit oil, while sodium palm kernelate comes from palm kernel oil. They have similar functions in soap making.

Is sodium palm kernelate safe for sensitive skin?

As a strong cleansing agent, sodium palm kernelate can be drying and potentially irritating for individuals with sensitive skin.