Ingredient review
Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate
INCI: POTASSIUM UNDECYLENOYL GLUTAMATE
A mild, amino-acid-based cleanser that effectively removes dirt and oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
In plain English
This ingredient is a gentle soap-like molecule made from castor oil and an amino acid (a building block of protein). It helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away, but it’s much less harsh than traditional soaps or sulfates. Your skin feels clean but not tight or dry after use.
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 Undecylenoyl Glutamate 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 Undecylenoyl Glutamate.
- 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
Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate is a surfactant, meaning it reduces the surface tension between water and oils. It is created by combining undecylenic acid (from castor oil) with glutamic acid (an amino acid), then neutralizing it with potassium. This gives it a mild, skin-friendly cleansing action.
How it works
When you wash your face, this molecule surrounds oil and dirt particles, forming tiny droplets called micelles that can be easily rinsed away with water. Because it has a large, gentle head group, it interacts with the skin’s lipids minimally, preserving the natural barrier and reducing irritation.
Pros
Extremely gentle on skin
Its amino-acid structure means it cleans without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier, making it ideal for daily use even on sensitive or reactive skin.
Leaves skin feeling soft
Unlike harsh sulfates, this surfactant does not over-strip natural oils, so your skin feels comfortable and hydrated after washing.
Cons and cautions
Lower foam volume
It produces a creamy, low foam rather than big bubbles, which some users may mistake for less cleansing power.
May struggle with heavy makeup
For waterproof or long-wear makeup, you may need a double cleanse or a stronger first cleanser.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin
- Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser
- Anyone who prefers gentle, non-stripping daily cleansers
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to castor oil derivatives (rare)
- Those needing a very high-foam, deep-cleansing experience
Usage tips
Safety summary
Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate has a strong safety profile with very low irritation and sensitization potential. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Research notes
Amino-acid surfactants like this one have been studied for their mildness and ability to preserve skin barrier function. Clinical and in-vitro studies show significantly less irritation compared to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and similar surfactants.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 15% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulations
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and most major markets. Generally recognized as safe when used as directed.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Micellar waters
- Environmental note
- Derived from castor oil (a renewable plant source) and glutamic acid. It is readily biodegradable, reducing its environmental impact compared to some petroleum-based surfactants.
Good to know
- Often listed as 'Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate' on ingredient labels; it is a key component in many 'amino acid' cleansers.
- It is considered biodegradable and more environmentally friendly than many traditional surfactants.
Common questions
What is Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate in beauty products?
This ingredient is a gentle soap-like molecule made from castor oil and an amino acid (a building block of protein). It helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away, but it’s much less harsh than traditional soaps or sulfates. Your skin feels clean but not tight or dry after use.
What does Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate do in a beauty product?
When you wash your face, this molecule surrounds oil and dirt particles, forming tiny droplets called micelles that can be easily rinsed away with water. Because it has a large, gentle head group, it interacts with the skin’s lipids minimally, preserving the natural barrier and reducing irritation.
Is Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate safe for most people?
Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate has a strong safety profile with very low irritation and sensitization potential. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Who should be careful with Potassium Undecylenoyl Glutamate?
Individuals with known allergies to castor oil derivatives (rare) Those needing a very high-foam, deep-cleansing experience
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.