Ingredient review
Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
INCI: SODIUM STEAROYL HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN
A mild, collagen-derived surfactant that cleanses gently and leaves skin feeling soft, ideal for sensitive or dry skin.
In plain English
Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is a mild cleansing ingredient made by combining stearic acid (a fatty acid from plant or animal sources) with hydrolyzed collagen (broken-down collagen protein). It works like a gentle soap that lifts dirt and oil from your skin without stripping away its natural moisture. Because it's derived from collagen, it also helps your skin feel smooth and conditioned after washing. You'll find it in cleansers, body washes, and shampoos labeled as gentle or moisturizing.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
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
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen 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 Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen.
- 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 with hydrolyzed collagen, resulting in a molecule that can both clean and condition the skin.
How it works
It reduces the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. The collagen part of the molecule also deposits a thin film on the skin, which helps retain moisture and leaves a soft feel.
Pros
Mild on skin
This surfactant is much gentler than traditional sulfates, making it a good choice for daily cleansing without irritation or dryness.
Adds softness
The collagen component leaves a light conditioning film on skin and hair, so you don't need as much extra moisturizer after washing.
Cons and cautions
Limited cleansing power
It may not remove heavy makeup, waterproof sunscreen, or excess oil as effectively as stronger surfactants, so you might need a double cleanse.
Potential animal origin
Collagen is often sourced from animal by-products, which may not align with vegan or cruelty-free preferences unless the brand specifies a plant-based alternative.
Best for
- People with dry or sensitive skin looking for a gentle cleanser
- Anyone who prefers mild, non-stripping cleansing ingredients
Use caution if
- Strict vegans who avoid animal-derived ingredients (check source)
- Those needing a deep-cleansing formula for heavy makeup or oil control
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. As with any ingredient, patch test if you have known sensitivities.
Research notes
Research on this specific ingredient is limited, but studies on similar collagen-derived surfactants indicate they are mild and effective cleansers with good skin compatibility. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has reviewed related fatty acid-amino acid surfactants and found them safe for use.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1-10% in rinse-off products
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the US, EU, and other major markets. No specific restrictions beyond general cosmetic safety requirements.
- Common uses
- Facial cleansers, Body washes, Shampoos, Conditioners
- Environmental note
- The environmental impact depends on the source of collagen and stearic acid. Plant-based stearic acid is more sustainable, while animal-derived collagen may have a higher carbon footprint.
Good to know
- Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is often listed near the middle or end of an ingredient list, indicating it's used at moderate concentrations.
- It is compatible with other mild surfactants and can help reduce irritation in formulations with stronger cleansers.
Common questions
What is Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen in beauty products?
Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is a mild cleansing ingredient made by combining stearic acid (a fatty acid from plant or animal sources) with hydrolyzed collagen (broken-down collagen protein). It works like a gentle soap that lifts dirt and oil from your skin without stripping away its natural moisture. Because it's derived from collagen, it also helps your skin feel smooth and conditioned after washing. You'll find it in cleansers, body washes, and shampoos labeled as gentle or moisturizing.
What does Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen do in a beauty product?
It reduces the surface tension of water, allowing it to mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. The collagen part of the molecule also deposits a thin film on the skin, which helps retain moisture and leaves a soft feel.
Is Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen safe for most people?
Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, making it suitable for most skin types. As with any ingredient, patch test if you have known sensitivities.
Who should be careful with Sodium Stearoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Strict vegans who avoid animal-derived ingredients (check source) Those needing a deep-cleansing formula for heavy makeup or oil control
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.