What Is Sodium/Tea-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Corn Protein?
Sodium/Tea-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Corn Protein is a plant derived ingredient made from corn. First the natural corn protein is broken down through a process called hydrolysis, which chops the large protein into smaller pieces that can dissolve in water. These fragments are then joined with undecylenic acid, an oil like molecule taken from castor oil, to create a gentle surfactant that likes both water and oil. Finally the blend is neutralized with either sodium or triethanolamine to keep it stable and easy to mix into formulas.
The idea of joining plant proteins with fatty acids caught on in the late 1990s when brands began looking for milder cleansing agents that would not strip skin or hair. Corn is plentiful, affordable and non allergenic for most people, so chemists turned to it as a renewable base. Today you will find Sodium/Tea-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Corn Protein in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, leave in conditioners, sheet masks, hand creams, light moisturizers and anti aging serums that aim to smooth the look of skin without heavy oils.
Sodium/Tea-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Corn Protein’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasking ingredient improves both the feel and performance of many personal care products
- Cleansing: Its mild surfactant action lifts away dirt, oil and product buildup while respecting the natural barrier, making formulas foam gently without leaving a tight after feel
- Hair conditioning: The corn protein fragments can attach to damaged areas along the hair shaft, helping strands feel smoother, softer and easier to detangle while adding a light protective film that reduces breakage
- Skin conditioning: The hydrolyzed protein holds water at the surface of the skin, giving a temporary plumping effect and a silky touch which makes lotions and serums feel more nourishing
Who Can Use Sodium/Tea-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
This gentle corn based ingredient suits most skin types including normal, dry, oily and combination because it cleanses without stripping and leaves a light protective feel. Sensitive skin also tends to tolerate it well thanks to its mild surfactant profile, although anyone with a known corn allergy should steer clear to avoid irritation.
Because it is derived entirely from plant sources—corn protein coupled with a fatty acid from castor oil—Sodium/Tea-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Corn Protein is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are involved in its production.
Current research and industry safety assessments have not flagged any concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse off or leave on cosmetics. That said this is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should have a quick chat with their doctor before adding any new product to their routine.
The ingredient does not make skin more prone to sunburn so there is no extra risk of photosensitivity. It is also considered safe for daily use on the scalp and hair.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium/Tea-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Corn Protein can vary from person to person. The points below describe potential side effects that are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used as directed in a finished cosmetic formula.
- Mild redness or stinging
- Itchy spots in people with a corn or castor oil allergy
- Dry feeling if used in a very high-foaming cleanser and not followed with moisturizer
- Eye irritation if concentrated shampoo or cleanser runs into the eyes
If you notice any of these reactions discontinue use and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0‒1
Sodium/Tea-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Corn Protein is highly water soluble and rinses away easily so it does not have the heavy oily character that tends to block pores. Its fatty acid portion is firmly bound to the tiny protein fragments and is present at low levels, which keeps residue on the skin minimal. For these reasons formulators consider it non clogging and assign it a score at the very bottom of the scale.
Because of this low rating the ingredient is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Only in a poorly balanced formula with lots of other rich occlusive ingredients would it contribute to congestion, so the overall product base matters more than this single component.
Summary
Sodium/Tea-Undecylenoyl Hydrolyzed Corn Protein cleanses, conditions hair and conditions skin. The hydrolyzed corn protein grabs water to hydrate, the undecylenoyl segment loosens dirt while keeping the molecule mild and the resulting film smooths rough spots on skin and hair.
It is a quiet workhorse rather than a headline act. You will spot it in gentle shampoos, sulfate free body washes and lightweight face lotions where it boosts foam and slip without heaviness.
Safety profiles from industry panels show it to be low risk for irritation or sensitization in both rinse off and leave on products. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that lists this ingredient just to be safe.