Origin and Application of Sophorolipid in Cleansers
Asked by: Anonymous
On: February 21, 2026
Product Type:
Cosmetics
Answered
Question
Is `Sophorolipid` derived from the fermentation of the yeast `Starmerella bombicola`? Also, can it normally be used in cleanser formulations?
Answer
Yes, Sophorolipid (Natural Surfactant, 50%) is a glycolipid biosurfactant produced through the fermentation process of yeast, specifically Starmerella bombicola (formerly known as Candida bombicola).
Regarding its use in cleansers:
- Usage: It can definitely be used in various types of cleansers, including facial washes, body washes, and especially makeup removers.
- Usage Rate: The recommended usage rate is 1-15% of the total formula, with 6-8% being the generally recommended range for most applications.
- Properties: It is highly gentle on the skin (high bio-compatibility), provides good foam, and has excellent cleaning efficiency. It also acts as an effective solubilizer for essential oils or fragrances in water-based formulas.
- Mixing: It is water-soluble and can be easily mixed into the water phase of your formulation.
This ingredient is an excellent choice for natural and "green" cosmetic formulations due to its biodegradable and skin-friendly nature.