Sodium Palmate

Sodium palmate is a salt of palm oil fatty acids, commonly used as a cleansing agent in soaps and other personal care products. It helps to create lather and remove dirt and oil from the skin. While effective, it can sometimes be drying for certain skin types.

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 Palmate

Browse all products →

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium palmate natural?

Sodium palmate is derived from palm oil, which is a natural source. However, it undergoes chemical processing to become sodium palmate.

Is sodium palmate bad for the environment?

The environmental impact of sodium palmate is linked to palm oil production, which can be associated with deforestation and habitat loss if not sourced sustainably.