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SODIUM C12-14 OLEFIN SULFONATE.

Valuable CAS 85536-12-5 / CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

SODIUM C12-14 OLEFIN SULFONATE is a potent anionic surfactant prized for its exceptional cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying capabilities. It efficiently lifts and removes oil and dirt from skin and hair, facilitating their rinse-off. Despite its efficacy, careful formulation is crucial due to its potential for irritation at elevated concentrations.

Summary

cleansing foaming surfactant emulsifier

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions by significantly lowering the surface tension between different phases within a formulation, acting as a surfactant. This mechanism enables it to effectively interact with and emulsify oils and dirt on the skin and hair, allowing them to be easily washed away. Its properties also contribute to robust foaming and aid in stabilizing product components as an emulsifier.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluations have indicated potential dermal irritation at concentrations as low as 1%.
  2. 02 Ocular irritation has been observed, with mild effects appearing at 5% and progressing to moderate severity at 10%.
  3. 03 For rinse-off applications such as shampoos, this ingredient is frequently incorporated at concentrations reaching up to 19% for desired performance.
  4. 04 While historical data reported usage in leave-on products up to 13.2%, the CIR Expert Panel stringently recommends a maximum concentration of 2% for leave-on formulations to ensure consumer safety.
  5. 05 General industry guidelines for achieving effective foaming and cleansing suggest inclusion levels typically between 4% and 30%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 8 – 10
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient exhibits excellent stability across a broad pH range, making it suitable for diverse formulations, including those in acidic environments. A typical 10% solution maintains a pH of 8.

Synergies

  • Often co-formulated with milder co-surfactants to attenuate its inherent harshness and potential drying effects, particularly for sensitive or dry skin and scalp.

Conflicts

  • Higher concentrations, generally above 5-10%, are linked to an increased risk of dermal and ocular irritation.
  • Its strong cleansing action can be potentially drying, making it less suitable for formulations intended for sensitive or dry skin types unless adequately mitigated.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
2%
Sensitization risk Unknown

The CIR Expert Panel has deemed Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonates (including C12-14) safe for rinse-off products and safe up to 2% in leave-on formulations. This safety assessment is contingent on maintaining strict purity standards for specific impurities: unsubstituted alkane sultones at less than or equal to 10 ppm, chlorosultones at less than or equal to 1 ppm, and unsaturated sultones at less than or equal to 0.1 ppm. The FDA has also approved related Alpha-Olefin Sulfonates (C10-18 salts) for use as indirect food additives in certain applications.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Medium

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

SODIUM C12-14 OLEFIN SULFONATE is a highly effective cleansing and foaming agent, particularly valuable for rinse-off formulations targeting normal to oily skin, provided concentrations are carefully controlled to minimize irritation risk.

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