What it is
This ingredient is the sodium salt of a taurine-derived (taurate) surfactant bearing a stearoyl chain, part of the acyl taurate family known for mild surfactancy. It helps emulsify and disperse ingredients and can stabilize emulsions and pigment systems. In sunscreens it is often used to help wet and evenly distribute mineral filters or to support a stable, smooth emulsion.
Safety & warnings
Acyl taurate surfactants are regarded as comparatively mild and are generally well tolerated. They are not fragrance allergens and at use levels are not considered comedogenic.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic; derived from N-methyltaurine acylated with a stearic-acid-based group and neutralized with sodium.
Questions everyone asks
What does sodium methyl stearoyl taurate do in sunscreen?
It is a mild surfactant that helps emulsify, disperse, and evenly wet ingredients such as mineral UV filters within the formula.
Is it a harsh detergent?
It belongs to the acyl taurate family, which is generally considered mild compared with many traditional surfactants.