Allowed in EU · Annex V

Sodium 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?

Sodium undec-10-enoate

What does it do?

Sodium Undecylenate is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Preservative

    prevents microbial growth in cosmetic products, extending shelf life and protecting users

  • Surfactant - cleansing

    surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes

  • Surfactant - emulsifying

    surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate

EU regulatory status

Sodium 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 Sodium Undecylenate?

Sodium Undecylenate is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Sodium undec-10-enoate

Is Sodium Undecylenate allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Sodium Undecylenate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Sodium Undecylenate do in cosmetic products?

Sodium Undecylenate is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: preservative, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.

What is the CAS number of Sodium Undecylenate?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Sodium Undecylenate is 3398-33-2.

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