SODIUM SURFACTIN (Sodium surfactin) – function in cosmetics

A lipopeptide produced by bacterial fermentation, used as a cleansing and emulsifying surfactant.

What it is

Sodium surfactin is the sodium salt of surfactin, a lipopeptide made of amino acids and a fatty acid chain that is produced by fermentation with the bacterium Bacillus subtilis. CosIng lists it as a cleansing agent, emulsifying and cleansing surfactant and gel-forming agent.

Where it is used

Found in facial cleansers, cleansing foams, serums and creams.

Limits of interpretation

The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.

The label does not show the concentration used. The ingredient is a fermentation product and does not contain live bacteria.

Functions

Cleansing

Helping to keep the body surface clean.

Surfactant – emulsifying

Helping suspensions or dispersions of liquids in a second liquid by reducing the surface tension of the substances to be emulsified.

Gel forming

Giving the consistency of a gel (a semi-solid preparation with some elasticity) to a liquid preparation.

Surfactant – cleansing

Wetting body surfaces, emulsifying or solubilizing oils, and suspending soil (generally, such ingredients contribute to the foaming and lathering properties of cleansing products).

SODIUM SURFACTIN

What it is

Where it is used

Limits of interpretation

Functions

EU regulation

Products with this ingredient (17)