What Is Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate?
Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate is the salt form of 5-carboxy-4-hexylcyclohex-2-ene-1-octanoic acid. In simple terms it is a specialized fatty acid that has been neutralized with potassium to make it water friendly. The raw materials usually come from plant oils rich in oleic acid, such as sunflower or olive oil. Chemists modify these oils through a series of steps that add a ring structure, introduce a carboxyl group, then react the finished acid with potassium hydroxide. The result is a mild, soap-like compound that mixes well with both water and oil.
The ingredient first showed up in lab notebooks in the early 2000s when formulators looked for alternatives to traditional sulfates. It moved into commercial skin care a few years later, prized for its gentle cleansing action and good skin feel. Today it appears in face washes, micellar waters, cream cleansers, shampoo bars, baby washes and even some makeup removing balms.
Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient works mainly as a cleansing agent. It helps water grab on to dirt, oil and leftover makeup so they rinse away easily. Unlike harsher surfactants it leaves some of the skin’s natural lipids behind, which can make the skin feel soft rather than tight after washing.
Who Can Use Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate
Most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and sensitive, tend to tolerate Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate well because it cleanses without stripping away too much natural oil. People with very dry or eczema-prone skin may still want to pair it with a rich moisturizer, as any surfactant can leave them feeling tight if the rest of the formula is not hydrating enough.
The ingredient is made from plant-derived fatty acids and potassium hydroxide so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No animal-derived raw materials or by-products are involved in the standard manufacturing process.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse-off or leave-on products. That said this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run every skincare product by a healthcare professional to be absolutely sure.
Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight, so there is no special need for extra sun precautions beyond daily sunscreen use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate differ from one person to the next. The points below list potential issues that might occur, though most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin irritation such as redness or itching, most often in people with compromised skin barriers
- Stinging if applied to broken or freshly shaved skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Dryness or tightness in very dry skin types when used in a formula that lacks enough emollients
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to one of the raw materials or minor impurities
If any discomfort or reaction develops stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
The molecule is a potassium salt, so it is highly water soluble and does not linger inside pores the way heavier plant oils can. Tests on formulas containing it show minimal pore blocking, earning it a spot near the bottom of the scale.
It is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Most products using Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate are rinse-off, which further lowers the chance of congestion.
Summary
Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate is a gentle plant derived surfactant that lifts away oil, dirt and makeup while keeping some of the skin’s own lipids intact. Its balanced structure lets it mix with both water and oil so it cleans without leaving skin tight.
The ingredient is gaining ground in sulfate free face washes shampoo bars and baby cleansers but is still something of a newcomer compared with long-standing surfactants.
Safety evaluations show a low risk of irritation or allergy for most users. Even so it is wise to patch test any new product that features Potassium Cyclocarboxypropyloleate to be sure your skin agrees with it.