Sodium Methyl Oleyl Taurate, 100 g

Sodium Methyl Oleyl Taurate is an anionic surfactant in powder form that is added to rinse-off cosmetics mainly for its foam. It lathers generously and stably, even in hard water. It also cleanses and degreases, so in a formulation it does more than act as a simple foam booster.

The ingredient is derived from oleic acid and methyl taurine, and the manufacturer describes it as a mild anionic surfactant. Its main use is in powder cleansing products: powder shampoos, powder bubble baths and loose bath products. It can also be dissolved in the water phase of liquid shower gels and shampoos, where it supports the foam of the other surfactants.

Key properties

• Foaming agent – the foam is rich and, thanks to its stabilising effect, it lasts, which is decisive in powder products that are only activated by water.
• Foaming in hard water – it retains very good foaming even in water with a high mineral content.
• Dispersing calcium soaps – it disperses insoluble calcium soaps, which form when ordinary soap meets hard water. It is therefore suitable for formulations in which surfactants are combined with saponified oils.
• Cleansing and degreasing action – it removes sebum and impurities from hair and skin.
• Free of fragrances and preservatives – the ingredient does not bring fragrance allergens or a preservative system into the formulation.
• pH close to neutral – a solution containing 1% active ingredient has a pH of 7.0–8.0.

Use in formulations

The powder is readily soluble in water. In a powder shampoo or bath salt, it is mixed with the other dry ingredients. In liquid products, it is dissolved in the water phase with constant stirring.

The active ingredient content of the powder is 60–65%. The remainder consists mainly of sodium chloride, approximately 28%, and at most 3% free fatty acid. When calculating the total amount of surfactants in a formulation, you should therefore work with the active ingredient, not the weight of the powder.

Suitable for products such as

• Powder shampoos – the main intended use of the ingredient, where it provides foam even in hard water.
• Powder bubble baths and bath salts – the foam forms as the product dissolves in the bath.
• Liquid shower gels and shampoos – as a supplementary surfactant to support foam and cleansing.
• Products combining surfactants and soap – the ability to disperse calcium soaps is put to use.

The product is intended exclusively for rinse-off products for the face, hair and body.

Good to know

The ingredient contains neither water nor preservatives. A liquid formulation in which it is dissolved therefore requires a preservative system, like any other water-based product. Anhydrous powder products generally do not need a preservative as long as they stay dry.

The ingredient is of vegetable and synthetic origin: it is produced by a chemical reaction from plant-derived starting materials. It does not contain materials of animal origin.

Frequently asked questions