Common Name(s): Coconut oil soap,potassium coconut oil saponificate
CAS Number: 61789-30-8
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides natural soap cleansing from saponified coconut oil fatty acids.
Why It's Used: Natural soap component for bar soaps and natural cleansers โ traditionally produced, biodegradable, natural origin cleansing.
How It Works: Fatty acid carboxylate anion provides micelle formation for cleansing. higher pka (6-7) vs sulfate surfactants means soap is less ionized at skin ph, reducing irritation vs sls but also reducing cleansing efficiency at acidic skin ph.
Typically Found In: Natural bar soaps,traditional cleansers
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ natural soap surfactant
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 5%โ100% (soap base)
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ coconut oil saponified with potassium hydroxide
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 โ low to moderate; soap ph typically alkaline which disrupts acid mantle
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Bar soap typically raises skin ph to 8-9, disrupting the acid mantle for several hours post-washing. ph-balanced liquid cleansers preferred for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1โ2.
Works Well With: Standard skincare actives
Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Traditional soap's alkaline ph (9-10 for bar soap) temporarily disrupts the skin's acid mantle (ph 5.5), increasing serine protease activity that accelerates stratum corneum shedding and reducing ceramide synthesis. these effects are reversed within 2-4 hours post-washing in healthy skin but may persist longer in compromised skin.
Last Verified: Cosing database,draelos soap skin ph review,cir safety assessment
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12