What it is
This ingredient is produced by fermenting glucose and methyl rapeseedate with the yeast Candida bombicola, which yields sophorolipids, a class of glycolipid biosurfactants. In cosmetics it is used as a mild, biologically derived surfactant and skin-conditioning agent that can support cleansing and emulsification. It appears in fermentation-forward formulations as a gentler alternative to some conventional synthetic surfactants.
Safety & warnings
Sophorolipid biosurfactants are generally regarded as mild and are valued for low irritation potential relative to many conventional surfactants.
Origin & sourcing
Biotechnological ingredient generated by yeast fermentation of glucose and a rapeseed-oil-derived ester, producing sophorolipid biosurfactants.
Questions everyone asks
How is this ingredient made?
It is produced by fermenting glucose and a rapeseed ester with the yeast Candida bombicola to create sophorolipid biosurfactants.
What does it do in a formula?
It acts as a mild, fermentation-derived surfactant and skin-conditioning agent that can aid cleansing and emulsification.