What Is Disodium Itaconate?
Disodium Itaconate is the sodium salt form of itaconic acid, a small organic compound with two carboxylic acid groups and one methylene group. It is often sourced from plant-based sugars such as corn or sugarcane that are fermented by certain strains of fungi, most commonly Aspergillus terreus. After fermentation produces itaconic acid, the acid is neutralized with sodium hydroxide to create the stable, water-soluble salt known as Disodium Itaconate.
Interest in itaconic derivatives began in the mid-20th century when chemists explored bio-based acids as sustainable alternatives to petroleum-derived chemicals. As the cosmetics industry started moving toward greener raw materials, formulators noticed that Disodium Itaconate offered reliable pH control while being derived from renewable feedstocks. Over time its eco-friendly story, paired with consistent performance in lab tests, earned it a spot in modern skin care and hair care lines.
Commercially, Disodium Itaconate is produced in large stainless-steel fermentation vessels, followed by filtration, purification and spray drying into a fine white powder. The ingredient dissolves readily in water, making it easy for chemists to add during the aqueous phase of production.
You will most often find Disodium Itaconate in rinse-off and leave-on formulas that require gentle pH adjustment, such as lightweight lotions, gel moisturizers, clay or sheet masks, anti-aging serums and occasional scalp or hair treatments where balanced acidity is important for performance and comfort.
Disodium Itaconate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Although its job may sound technical, Disodium Itaconate quietly supports many formulas by keeping them in the right pH zone for both skin compatibility and ingredient stability.
Buffering: As a buffering agent Disodium Itaconate helps maintain a consistent pH level inside the product. This steady pH protects active ingredients from degrading, reduces the risk of irritation that can occur when a formula drifts too acidic or too alkaline and extends the shelf life of the finished product.
Who Can Use Disodium Itaconate
Disodium Itaconate is considered friendly for nearly every skin type, from oily and combination to dry and sensitive, because it is simply a mild pH buffer that does not leave a heavy residue or clog pores. Those with extremely reactive or broken skin may still want to watch for any tingling, but the ingredient itself is not known to be inherently sensitizing.
The compound is produced by fermenting plant-derived sugars then neutralizing the resulting acid with sodium hydroxide, a process that involves no animal by-products, so it is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data shows no specific concerns for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding when Disodium Itaconate is used in normal cosmetic concentrations. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is expecting or nursing should review their skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider to be extra safe.
Disodium Itaconate does not increase photosensitivity, so there is no added risk of sunburn beyond what you would normally expect when using any skincare product.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Disodium Itaconate can differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects, but they are uncommon when the ingredient is included at typical levels in well-formulated products.
- Mild skin irritation or transient redness
- Temporary stinging or burning if applied to broken or severely compromised skin
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to the molecule
- Increased dryness when paired with multiple other astringent ingredients
If you experience any persistent discomfort or visible reaction, stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Disodium Itaconate is a small, fully water-soluble salt that leaves no oily film on the skin and is used at very low percentages, so it does not block pores or trap sebum. Because it functions only as a pH buffer and has no occlusive or emollient properties, it carries virtually no risk of provoking blackheads or whiteheads. This makes it a suitable choice for people who are prone to acne or frequent breakouts.
Since overall pore-clogging potential comes from the finished formula, keep in mind that other ingredients in the product might still affect acne-prone skin.
Summary
Disodium Itaconate’s main role in cosmetics is buffering. By pairing the weak acid itaconic acid with sodium ions, the ingredient sets and stabilizes a product’s pH so that actives remain effective and skin stays comfortable. Its complete water solubility lets chemists drop it into the water phase where it dissociates and keeps acidity in check throughout the product’s shelf life.
Although not a household name, it has picked up quiet popularity among formulators who want a plant-derived alternative to conventional buffers, especially in clean beauty and scalp care lines.
Safety studies and years of use show Disodium Itaconate is low risk for irritation, allergy or pore clogging when used at normal cosmetic levels. As with any new skincare ingredient, patch testing a small area first is a smart step to confirm personal tolerance.