Potassium Undecylenate
A cosmetic ingredient used as preservative, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Undecylenic acid, potassium salt
What does it do?
Potassium Undecylenate is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Preservative
prevents microbial growth in cosmetic products, extending shelf life and protecting users
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
EU regulatory status
Potassium Undecylenate is listed in Annex V of EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 as a substance permitted for the corresponding category of use.
Frequently asked questions
What is Potassium Undecylenate?
Potassium Undecylenate is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Undecylenic acid, potassium salt
Is Potassium Undecylenate allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Potassium Undecylenate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Potassium Undecylenate do in cosmetic products?
Potassium Undecylenate is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: preservative, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Potassium Undecylenate?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Potassium Undecylenate is 6159-41-7.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 10/08/2020