Sodium Citrate

Sodium Citrate - Chelator for reducing soap scum

Sodium Citrate is a fabulous product to have in your stores for is ability to act as a chelating agent to bind metal ions to help stabilise and preserve formulations, as a water softener to aid cleaning and to enhance the performance of other ingredients and as a retardant to the growth of bacteria and microbes. 

Usage in Soap:

When used in soap manufacture sodium citrate helps to prevent soap scum and improves the latherin ability of the soap, especially in hard water.   It can also enhance the texture of the soap making it smoother and more consistent.  To use in this application, add to the water prior to adding the caustic - 0.5% - 3.9% is used, with 1.9% recommended for standard water softness.  The high end is more suited to hard water.  No adjustment to the lye quantity is needed when sodium citrate is used.

To prevent the soap from becoming too thick too quickly, use at least 30% water in relation to the amount of oil when using 3.5% sodium citrate.

Also, when used in soap it behaves like an antioxidant reducing your likelihood of developing DOS (dreaded orange spots) as it cures.

If you have a recipe calling for citric acid sodium citrate can be used instead at a rate of:
1% citric acid = 1.9% sodium citrate or 19gm per kilo of oils
2% citric acid = 2.9% sodium citrate or 29gm per kilo of oils
3% citric acid = 3.9% sodium citrate of 39gm per kilo of oils

Product Details:

• CAS#: 6132-04-3
• INCI: Sodium Citrate

Safety Information:

SDS DOCUMENT downloadable