What Is Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate?
Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate is a plant derived ingredient created when hydrogenated honey reacts with octenylsuccinic anhydride, then gets neutralized with sodium to form a water dispersible salt. The process transforms the natural sugars and acids in honey into a more stable, oil compatible compound that still carries honey’s moisturizing sugars. First explored in the early 2000s as a way to give honey longer shelf life in emulsions, it soon found favor with formulators who wanted a gentle multifunctional additive free of animal by products.
Manufacturing starts with honey that has been hydrogenated to make its sugars less prone to oxidation. This honey is combined with octenylsuccinic anhydride under controlled heat so the anhydride links to the honey molecules. After the reaction finishes, sodium hydroxide is added to neutralize the mixture, creating a fine powder or liquid concentrate that dissolves easily in water.
You’ll most often spot Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate in face masks, gel cleansers, foam washes, micellar waters, lightweight moisturizers, anti aging serums, scalp scrubs and even toothpaste styled beauty products that target brightening and plaque reduction on the teeth’s surface.
Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient pulls double and sometimes triple duty in modern formulas
- Antiplaque: Helps break down biofilm on skin or teeth reducing buildup that can dull complexion or discolor enamel
- Cleansing: Loosens dirt oil and makeup so they rinse away without harsh surfactants
- Emulsion Stabilising: Keeps oil and water phases blended which means creams stay smooth and uniform over time
- Humectant: Attracts and holds water on the skin surface providing immediate hydration and a soft feel
- Skin Conditioning: Leaves a light flexible film that makes skin feel silky and improves slip during application
- Foam Boosting: Enhances bubble size and density in washes leading to a richer lather and a more satisfying cleanse
Who Can Use Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by all skin types including dry, oily, combination and sensitive thanks to its mild cleansing action and water binding ability. People with very reactive or allergy prone skin should still review the full formula of any product as irritation can come from other ingredients present.
Because it is made from honey it is not considered vegan friendly. Vegetarians who choose to consume honey may feel comfortable using it while strict vegetarians who avoid bee products may opt out.
No research indicates that Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate poses special concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show the ingredient list to a qualified physician or midwife before use to be extra safe.
The compound does not increase sun sensitivity so there is no added need for extra sun precautions beyond a daily broad spectrum sunscreen.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate differ from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects yet most users experience none when the ingredient is used at the low concentrations typically found in cosmetics.
- Transient redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Mild itching in individuals with honey or bee product allergies
- Rare clogged pores if a high percentage is applied to already congested skin
- Possible interaction with leave on acids or retinoids that can heighten overall irritation
If any discomfort or unusual reaction occurs stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5 (low)
Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate is highly water dispersible and forms a lightweight film that rinses clean, so it rarely traps oil or debris inside pores. It contains no heavy plant butters or waxy residues that typically cause clogging. A rating of 1 reflects its minimal likelihood of provoking blackheads or whiteheads even on combination or oily skin.
That means most acne-prone users can use products containing this ingredient without added worry, though pore clogging risk always depends on the full formula and how heavily it is layered.
Because the material acts as an emulsion stabilizer it often appears at low percentages. When levels climb in thick masks or balms, the chance of congestion can tick up slightly, so texture of the finished product is worth noting.
Summary
Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate works as a multitasker: it pulls in moisture as a humectant, smooths skin feel as a conditioner, lifts grime as a gentle cleanser, keeps emulsions uniform, boosts foam and even disrupts biofilm for antiplaque benefits. The honey-derived sugars attract water while the octenylsuccinic group anchors into oils, letting it bridge the water and oil phases and enhance lather.
While not a headline superstar like hyaluronic acid or niacinamide, the ingredient is quietly popular with formulators in cleansers, micellar waters and light creams that aim for a soft fresh finish without animal by products other than honey. Consumers may not spot it on front labels yet but will likely enjoy its silky payoff.
Current data points to excellent safety with low irritation and virtually no toxicity concerns. Still every skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that lists Sodium Hydrogenated Honey Octenylsuccinate before full-face or daily use.