Ingredient review
Sodium/TEA-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen
INCI: SODIUM/TEA-UNDECYLENOYL HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN
A gentle, semi-synthetic ingredient that helps condition skin and may offer mild antimicrobial benefits, but research is limited.
In plain English
This ingredient is a modified version of collagen, a protein naturally found in skin. It has been chemically linked to undecylenic acid (a fatty acid from castor oil) to make it more stable and give it mild antimicrobial properties. In skincare, it helps keep skin feeling soft and smooth, and may help reduce unwanted bacteria on the skin's surface. It is not a pure collagen supplement and does not replace lost collagen in the skin.
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/TEA-Undecylenoyl 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/TEA-Undecylenoyl 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 compound created by combining hydrolyzed collagen (broken-down collagen peptides) with undecylenic acid, a fatty acid derived from castor oil. This modification gives the ingredient both conditioning and mild antimicrobial functions.
How it works
The collagen portion helps bind water to the skin, improving hydration and softness. The undecylenic acid part can disrupt the cell membranes of some bacteria and fungi, providing a gentle antimicrobial effect. Together, they form a film on the skin that helps maintain moisture and may reduce surface microbes.
Pros
Gentle skin conditioning
Helps improve skin softness and hydration without irritation, making it suitable for daily use in cleansers and leave-on products.
Mild antimicrobial support
The undecylenic acid component offers gentle antimicrobial properties, which can help reduce surface bacteria in formulations like body washes.
Cons and cautions
Limited research
There are few peer-reviewed studies specifically on this ingredient, so its long-term benefits and safety are not as well-documented as more common ingredients.
Low concentration effectiveness
At typical low concentrations (under 1%), the antimicrobial effect may be minimal, and the conditioning benefit may be subtle.
Best for
- People with normal to dry skin looking for gentle conditioning
- Those seeking mild antimicrobial support in cleansers
Use caution if
- Individuals with known allergies to collagen or castor oil derivatives
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for topical use at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic risk. No significant safety concerns reported, but long-term data is limited.
Research notes
Evidence is based on general knowledge of hydrolyzed collagen and undecylenic acid. Few direct studies exist on this specific compound. Antimicrobial effects are inferred from undecylenic acid's known properties.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 2%
- Regulatory status
- Generally recognized as safe for cosmetic use in the US and EU, with no specific restrictions beyond standard cosmetic ingredient regulations.
- Common uses
- Cleansers, Shampoos, Body washes, Leave-on treatments
- Environmental note
- Derived from animal collagen and castor oil, but the semi-synthetic process may have moderate environmental impact. Not typically tested for biodegradability.
Good to know
- This ingredient is not a pure collagen source and does not replace lost collagen in the skin
- It is often used in combination with other surfactants in cleansing formulas
Common questions
What is Sodium/TEA-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen in beauty products?
This ingredient is a modified version of collagen, a protein naturally found in skin. It has been chemically linked to undecylenic acid (a fatty acid from castor oil) to make it more stable and give it mild antimicrobial properties. In skincare, it helps keep skin feeling soft and smooth, and may help reduce unwanted bacteria on the skin's surface. It is not a pure collagen supplement and does not replace lost collagen in the skin.
What does Sodium/TEA-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen do in a beauty product?
The collagen portion helps bind water to the skin, improving hydration and softness. The undecylenic acid part can disrupt the cell membranes of some bacteria and fungi, providing a gentle antimicrobial effect. Together, they form a film on the skin that helps maintain moisture and may reduce surface microbes.
Is Sodium/TEA-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen safe for most people?
Considered safe for topical use at typical concentrations. Low irritation and comedogenic risk. No significant safety concerns reported, but long-term data is limited.
Who should be careful with Sodium/TEA-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Collagen?
Individuals with known allergies to collagen or castor oil derivatives
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.