The sodium salt of usnic acid, used as an antimicrobial and anti-sebum ingredient.
What it is
Sodium usnate is the sodium salt of usnic acid, a dibenzofuran derivative known as a constituent of lichens such as Usnea species. CosIng lists it as an antimicrobial and anti-sebum ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in deodorants and some skin care products.
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 INCI name does not reveal whether the usnic acid was obtained from lichens or in another way.
Functions
- Antimicrobial
- Preventing and/or slowing down microbial growth.
- Anti-sebum
- Helping control sebum production.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.