Sodium Palmate is the sodium salt of palmitic acid, and it is a primary ingredient in many soap bars. It's produced through the saponification of palm oil.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Sodium Palmate consists of palmitic acid (a 16-carbon fatty acid) and a sodium cation (Na+). The chemical reaction between palm oil and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) results in this salt, which is one of the main ingredients in traditional solid soaps.

Physical Properties

It appears as a white or light yellow solid, soluble in water, and capable of producing a rich and dense lather. It is often used in soaps and solid cleansers due to its excellent foaming and cleansing properties, leaving the skin clean without excessive dryness.

Production Process

Sodium Palmate is produced through the process of saponification, where palm oil is treated with sodium hydroxide. This process results in soap formation, with Sodium Palmate as one of the primary ingredients.

Breakdown of the name and function of the components

• Sodium - Indicates the presence of sodium.
• Palmate - Derived from "palm," it indicates that the compound is from palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid found in palm oil.

Description and function of the raw materials used in production

• Palm oil - Extracted from the fruits of the oil palm tree, it is rich in fatty acids, including palmitic acid.
• Sodium hydroxide - A base used in the saponification process.

Summary of the production process

• Extraction of Vegetable Oils: Fatty acids, including palmitic acid, are extracted from vegetable sources such as palm oil or coconut oil. This extraction process can occur through mechanical pressing or using solvents.

• Hydrolysis: The extracted vegetable oils are treated with hot water and a catalyst to break down the triglycerides, releasing fatty acids. This process allows for the separation of palmitic acid from other fatty acids present.

• Neutralization: The palmitic acid is then treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in a neutralization process. This reaction produces sodium palmate and water.

• Purification: The resulting sodium palmate is purified to remove any impurities and residues of reagents. This can be accomplished through filtration, washing, and crystallization processes.

• Drying: Finally, the sodium palmate is dried to remove any residual moisture, resulting in a solid, pure final product.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

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. 

Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts, Increasing or decreasing, viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions. 

CAS   61790-79-2

EC number   263-162-3

Commercial applications

Soaps: It's a primary component in bar soaps, contributing to their solid form and lathering properties.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Products: It can be found in a range of products, including facial and body cleansers, due to its cleansing and saponifying properties.

Properties

Cleansing: Helps in removing dirt and impurities from the skin.

Saponifying: Participates in the saponification reaction, turning oils and fats into soap.

Solid form: Contributes to the solidity of bar soaps.

There are environmental and ethical concerns related to the production of palm oil, which is the primary source of sodium palmate. These concerns stem from the deforestation and habitat loss associated with large-scale palm oil plantations. As a result, many manufacturers and consumers are shifting towards sustainably-sourced palm oil or looking for alternative ingredients.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safety in Use
Sodium Palmate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. However, as a cleansing agent, it may cause dryness in individuals with very sensitive or dry skin. It is important to combine Sodium Palmate with moisturizing ingredients to minimize any drying effects.

Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to Sodium Palmate are rare. However, some individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to palm oil derivatives may experience irritation. A patch test is recommended to check for skin tolerance.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
It is considered safe for cosmetic use and is regulated to ensure its appropriate concentration in formulations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations
Since Sodium Palmate is derived from palm oil, its use is linked to environmental concerns regarding intensive palm oil farming, which can contribute to deforestation and biodiversity loss. Responsible companies strive to use RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certified palm oil to reduce environmental impact.

Regulatory Status
Sodium Palmate is approved for use in cosmetic products by the European Union and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States. It is commonly used in soaps and skincare products and is regulated to ensure safety in use.