Ingredient review
Potassium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
INCI: POTASSIUM STEAROYL HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN
A mild, protein-derived cleansing agent that cleans without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
In plain English
This ingredient is a gentle cleanser made by combining rice protein with a fatty acid from vegetable sources. It helps remove dirt and oil from your skin and hair without being harsh or drying, making it a popular choice for sensitive skin and sulfate-free formulas.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Potassium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Potassium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic surfactant created by reacting stearic acid (a fatty acid) with hydrolyzed rice protein. The result is a mild cleansing molecule that is less irritating than traditional sulfates.
How it works
It works by lowering the surface tension of water, allowing oil and dirt to be lifted away and rinsed off. The protein portion also leaves a thin, conditioning film on skin and hair, helping to reduce dryness and maintain softness.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Its low irritation risk makes it suitable for sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin, even with daily use.
Adds softness, not dryness
Unlike many cleansers that can leave skin feeling tight, this ingredient deposits a light conditioning film that helps maintain moisture.
Cons and cautions
Low foam production
It produces a creamy, low-lather texture that may feel less satisfying to those used to bubbly cleansers.
Limited cleansing power
It may not fully remove heavy or waterproof makeup on its own, often requiring a double-cleansing step.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin
- Those seeking sulfate-free or mild cleansers
- Individuals with easily irritated scalps
Use caution if
- Those who prefer high-foam cleansers
- People who need a strong makeup remover without a double cleanse
Usage tips
Safety summary
Potassium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Research on hydrolyzed rice protein shows it can improve skin hydration and reduce irritation when used in cleansers. Studies on similar protein-based surfactants indicate they are milder than traditional sulfates, though direct clinical data on this specific ingredient is limited.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1–10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the EU CosIng database and the US FDA as a cosmetic ingredient.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Baby care products
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable rice protein and vegetable fatty acids, it is generally considered more eco-friendly than petroleum-based surfactants.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the top of ingredient lists in sulfate-free cleansers.
- It is considered biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than many traditional surfactants.
Common questions
What is Potassium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein in beauty products?
This ingredient is a gentle cleanser made by combining rice protein with a fatty acid from vegetable sources. It helps remove dirt and oil from your skin and hair without being harsh or drying, making it a popular choice for sensitive skin and sulfate-free formulas.
What does Potassium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein do in a beauty product?
It works by lowering the surface tension of water, allowing oil and dirt to be lifted away and rinsed off. The protein portion also leaves a thin, conditioning film on skin and hair, helping to reduce dryness and maintain softness.
Is Potassium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein safe for most people?
Potassium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has a low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it suitable for sensitive skin. No significant safety concerns have been reported in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Potassium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein?
Those who prefer high-foam cleansers People who need a strong makeup remover without a double cleanse
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.