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DODECYLBENZENE SULFONIC ACID.

Avoid CAS 27176-87-0 / 85536-14-7 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid is a potent anionic surfactant primarily utilized as a raw material in the production of detergents and other cleansing agents. In its unneutralized acid form, it presents significant corrosive properties, rendering it fundamentally unsuitable for direct topical application in skincare formulations.

Summary

Emulsifier Wetting Agent Dispersant Cleansing Agent (after neutralization)

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an anionic surfactant, Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid operates by decreasing surface tension, facilitating the emulsification, wetting, and dispersion of substances. This mechanism allows it to effectively blend water with oily and fatty components, thereby enhancing its degreasing and foaming capabilities for cleansing skin, hair, or teeth.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, a salt derived from this acid, at a 15% concentration, induced severe irritation on rabbit skin. The extent of irritancy, similar to other detergents, was observed to be dependent on concentration and pH.
  2. 02 In vitro studies indicated that Sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), another salt, exhibited direct cytotoxicity and caused morphological changes in human keratinocyte HaCaT cells at concentrations of 20 µg/ml and higher.
  3. 03 Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid in aqueous solutions, even at low concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 1%, resulted in significant irritation to both eyes and skin.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid is not an ingredient typically 'dusted' or used as a direct active at varying concentrations in finished skincare products. Its corrosive nature mandates neutralization prior to any cosmetic application, making dusting thresholds irrelevant for its raw acid form.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid possesses an estimated pKa of 0.7, indicating complete dissociation within the environmental pH range of 4 to 9. Although the acid form demonstrates resistance to hydrolysis in alkaline conditions, it is imperative that it undergoes neutralization before integration into any cosmetic formulation.

Conflicts

  • Alkalis (reacts with heat liberation)
  • Strong bases
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Reducing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Dodecylbenzenesulfonate salts (derived from this acid) are 'safe as used' in cosmetics, provided formulations minimize irritancy based on concentration and pH. However, Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid itself is corrosive to human tissue, capable of causing severe skin burns and eye damage, and therefore requires complete neutralization prior to any cosmetic use. Direct application of the acid form poses a high safety risk.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic Acid, in its unneutralized and corrosive form, is severely irritating to skin and eyes, precluding its direct use in precision skincare; its primary utility is as a raw material for neutralized surfactant derivatives.

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