Potassium Olivate/Sunflowerseedate is a potassium salt derived from the saponification of olive oil and sunflower oil. This ingredient is used in skincare products for its emulsifying and moisturizing properties. It is known for its ability to create stable emulsions and enhance the skin’s hydration.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Components: Potassium Olivate/Sunflowerseedate is a blend of potassium salts from olive oil and sunflower oil. It consists of various fatty acids and their corresponding potassium salts.
Chemical Formula: It includes potassium salts of fatty acids derived from olive and sunflower oils.
Structure: The ingredient is a mixture of potassium oleate (from olive oil) and potassium sunflowerate (from sunflower oil), contributing to its emulsifying and hydrating properties.

Physical Properties

Appearance: Typically a clear to slightly cloudy liquid or gel.
Odor: Mild, characteristic of olive and sunflower oils.
Solubility: Soluble in water and compatible with various cosmetic formulations.

Production Process

Saponification:
Olive oil and sunflower oil are reacted with potassium hydroxide to form potassium olivate and potassium sunflowerate.
Blending:
The resulting potassium salts are blended to achieve the desired consistency and functionality.
Standardization:
The product is standardized to ensure consistent quality and performance in formulations.

Applications

Cosmetics:

Emulsifier: Helps in stabilizing emulsions in creams and lotions.
Moisturizer: Provides skin hydration and improves moisture retention.
Cleansers: Used in facial cleansers and soaps for its mild cleansing properties.

Skincare Products:

Moisturizers and Creams: Enhances skin hydration and provides a smooth texture.
Cleansers: Acts as a mild cleanser and emulsifier.
Body Washes and Shampoos: Contributes to the formulation of gentle, hydrating cleansers.

Food Applications

Not typically used in food applications. Primarily utilized in cosmetic and personal care products.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Biodegradability: Generally biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Safety Profile: Considered safe for topical use. However, individuals with sensitive skin or allergies should perform a patch test to ensure compatibility.
Regulations: Should comply with cosmetic regulations to ensure safety and quality. The ingredient should be sourced sustainably and free from harmful contaminants.

INCI Functions:


Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum.

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
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