murphyPotassium Undecylenate
AKA: 6159-41-7, Undecylenic acid, Potassium salt, POTASSIUM UNDECYLENATE [INCI]
Synthetic
Preservative
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from undecylenic acid, a long-chain fatty acid typically sourced from castor oil or synthesized from petrochemicals. Produced through neutralization of undecylenic acid with potassium hydroxide to form the potassium salt.
Undecylenic acid, potassium salt
Formula
C11H19KO2
Mol. Weight
222.37
CAS #
6159-41-7
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Preservative
Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Preserves Formula
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Lifts away dirt and oil
Prevents microbial growth
Mixes oil and water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
0%50%100%
Reg. limit 0.2%
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2019
EU regulatory limit: 0.2%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex V (Preservatives), Entry 18.
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR