Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate

Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate is a cleansing agent commonly found in shampoo products where it helps build viscosity and boosts the foaming properties of the formula. This ingredient can also be found in other types of cleansing products, such as face wash, body wash, etc. Suppliers describe sodium methyl oleoyl taurate as a gentle surfactant that contributes to a dense, creamy lather. It’s often touted as an alternative to sulfates. For the record, not all sulfates are bad; in fact most are non-irritating and completely safe as used in cosmetics. Sodium methyl oleoyl taurate can be derived from plant, animal, or synthetic sources. While there aren’t many independent studies about sodium methyl oleoyl taurate, it has been deemed safe in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Typical usage levels of sodium methyl oleoyl taurate range from 1–30%, depending on whether it’s the primary or secondary surfactant or used to thicken a formula. 2.5% is a fairly common amount for both cleansing and thickening purposes.