Ingredient review
Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein
INCI: POTASSIUM UNDECYLENOYL HYDROLYZED RICE PROTEIN
A mild, plant-derived surfactant that cleanses gently and is well-tolerated by sensitive skin.
In plain English
This ingredient is a gentle soap-like molecule made by combining rice protein with a fatty acid from castor oil. It helps water mix with dirt and oil so they can be rinsed away, but it's much less harsh than traditional sulfates. Because it's derived from rice protein, it can also leave a light conditioning effect on skin and hair, making it popular in products for sensitive skin or delicate hair types.
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 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 Undecylenoyl 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 undecylenic acid (from castor oil) with hydrolyzed rice protein. The result is a mild cleansing molecule that is anionic (negatively charged) and works well in both clear and creamy formulas.
How it works
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be emulsified and washed away. Its protein backbone also helps it deposit a thin film on skin or hair, providing a soft, non-stripping feel after rinsing.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Unlike sodium lauryl sulfate, this surfactant has a large protein head that makes it less penetrating and irritating, ideal for compromised or sensitive skin barriers.
Conditioning properties
The rice protein component leaves a light, protective film on skin and hair, reducing the tight, dry feeling many cleansers cause.
Cons and cautions
Lower cleansing power
It may not fully remove heavy, long-wear makeup or very oily sunscreen in a single wash, requiring a double-cleanse routine.
Less foam
Users accustomed to rich, bubbly lather may find this ingredient produces a thinner, creamier foam, which can feel less satisfying.
Best for
- People with dry, sensitive, or eczema-prone skin
- Those looking for a sulfate-free cleanser for daily use
Use caution if
- Individuals who prefer high-foam, squeaky-clean cleansers
Usage tips
Safety summary
Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant toxicity concerns have been reported in standard safety assessments. It is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin types.
Research notes
While not as extensively studied as some common surfactants, available safety data and decades of use in mild formulations support its safety profile. Its protein-based structure is known to reduce irritation compared to harsher anionic surfactants.
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). No concentration restrictions are typically imposed.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Baby care products
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (rice and castor oil) and is readily biodegradable, making it a more environmentally friendly surfactant choice.
Good to know
- This ingredient is often listed near the middle or end of an ingredient list because it is effective at low concentrations.
- It is considered biodegradable and is often chosen for 'green' or eco-friendly formulations.
Common questions
What is Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein in beauty products?
This ingredient is a gentle soap-like molecule made by combining rice protein with a fatty acid from castor oil. It helps water mix with dirt and oil so they can be rinsed away, but it's much less harsh than traditional sulfates. Because it's derived from rice protein, it can also leave a light conditioning effect on skin and hair, making it popular in products for sensitive skin or delicate hair types.
What does Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein do in a beauty product?
In a cosmetic product, this ingredient reduces the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be emulsified and washed away. Its protein backbone also helps it deposit a thin film on skin or hair, providing a soft, non-stripping feel after rinsing.
Is Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein safe for most people?
Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant toxicity concerns have been reported in standard safety assessments. It is well-tolerated even by sensitive skin types.
Who should be careful with Potassium Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Rice Protein?
Individuals who prefer high-foam, squeaky-clean cleansers
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.