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SODIUM C12-18 ALKYL SULFATE.

Questionable CAS 68955-19-1 / CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Sodium C12-18 Alkyl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant known for its robust cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying properties. Its molecular structure allows it to interact with both water and oil, effectively reducing surface tension to lift impurities from the skin and hair.

Summary

Cleansing Foaming Surfactant Emulsifying

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as an anionic surfactant, possessing distinct hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. This dual affinity enables it to effectively interact with both aqueous and oil-based substances, thereby lowering surface tension. Its primary mechanism involves emulsifying oils, trapping air to generate lather, and facilitating the efficient removal of dirt and sebum from skin and hair surfaces.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Sodium C12-18 Alkyl Sulfate maintains activity across a broad pH range, from acidic to basic. Its stability within a formulation is subject to pH levels, temperature fluctuations, and compatibility with co-ingredients. It exhibits only partial resistance to hard water conditions and may necessitate the inclusion of hard water-resistant co-formulation agents. Low pH environments can lead to autocatalyzed hydrolysis of the alkyl sulfate.

Conflicts

  • Hard water (reduced efficacy)
  • Certain metals (potential for packaging corrosion)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used with restrictions
Max tested
29%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The CIR Expert Panel has deemed Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate and related alkyl sulfates safe for use in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 29%, provided the final formulation is non-irritating. The FDA also recognizes alkyl sulfates as safe for limited use in food. Typical concentrations in consumer products generally fall between 3% and 20%. While Sodium C12-18 Alkyl Sulfate is often considered less irritating than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (C12), the class as a whole carries a risk of irritation that is highly concentration-dependent, with concentrations between 4-12% capable of causing irritation and 12-24% leading to moderate to severe irritation.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While effective for strong cleansing and foaming, Sodium C12-18 Alkyl Sulfate carries a medium risk for both skin irritation and comedogenicity, particularly for dry or sensitive skin types, warranting cautious formulation at low concentrations.

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