Potassium Oleate is an ingredient with foaming and washing properties. It cleans and degreases surfaces very well. It also has emulsifying and thickening properties that further contribute to its effectiveness. Potassium Oleate is mainly used in all cleansing cosmetics, e.g. soaps, liquid soaps, cleansing foams, face wash gels and others.
Potassium Oleate is the name used in the international INCI system and is also the chemical name of the potassium salt of oleic acid. Its alternative names are: potassium 9-octadecenoate or 9-octadecenoic acid, potassium salt. Its CAS number, which uniquely identifies it, is 143-18-0. Potassium Oleate is a fatty acid (oleic acid) derivative that is obtained from natural ingredients of plant origin. It is an alkaline anionic surfactant. Potassium Oleate offered by the PCC Group is characterised by its high quality and effectiveness. It is produced by PCC EXOL S.A., which is one of the most important producers of surfactants and chemical formulations in Central and Eastern Europe.
Due to its properties, Potassium Oleate is an excellent alternative to other surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES). It is readily chosen especially by formulators in the cosmetics industry. It can be found in most washing and cleaning products. Similarly to other surfactants, Potassium Oleate molecule has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part. This allows it to interact with impurities of various chemical nature and remove them more effectively. It works very well as a component of rinse-off body and hair products, e.g. shampoos or shower gels. In cosmetics, it acts as an emulsifier. The vast majority of those cosmetics are emulsions (e.g. creams or lotions), i.e. combinations of two immiscible phases, water and oil. The presence of Potassium Oleate in the formulation, allows those phases to effectively combine and ensures that the functional and application properties of the cosmetic product are maintained. In addition, it is gentle on the skin and hair, making it suitable for washing and care products designed for children.
The properties of Potassium Oleate make it perfect for both household and professional cleaning products. It is especially recommended as a component of washing powders. Thanks to its properties, it helps to effectively remove impurities and also controls the foaming.
