Sodium Olivate
INCI: SODIUM OLIVATE
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 14 Aug 2026
A plant-derived surfactant and emulsifier that supports cleansing formulations
Best For Skin Types
All
Addresses
Usage Frequency
Daily
What Is Sodium Olivate?
Sodium Olivate is the sodium salt of fatty acids derived from olive oil. It functions primarily as a surfactant and emulsifier—ingredients that help oils and water mix together and lift away impurities from the skin's surface.
In skincare formulations, it serves multiple roles: it aids cleansing action, stabilises emulsions to keep products uniform, and can help control the thickness of a formula. It is used in small concentrations within cleansing and rinse-off products.
How It Works
Sodium Olivate is a surfactant, meaning one end of its molecular structure is attracted to oil and the other to water. When used in a cleanser, it surrounds oily impurities on the skin, allowing them to be rinsed away with water. It also helps other formula ingredients remain evenly distributed rather than separating.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published clinical research specifically on Sodium Olivate in skincare is limited. However, olive-derived fatty acids and their salts have a long history of use in personal care and are generally recognised as mild cleansing agents. The ingredient is considered safe in cosmetic use at typical concentrations.
More robust data exists for closely related surfactants and for olive oil itself as a skincare ingredient, though direct comparison to formulated products containing Sodium Olivate would require specific studies.
How to Use
Sodium Olivate is typically found in rinse-off cleansers and some emulsified formulations. Use as directed for your cleanser type—most commonly as part of a daily or twice-daily cleanse. Because it is a rinse-off ingredient, it is not left on the skin long enough to require special timing or layering considerations.
Safety & Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
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