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SODIUM C14-16 OLEFIN SULFONATE.

Avoid CAS 68439-57-6 / CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

A powerful anionic surfactant, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate efficiently reduces surface tension, enabling the emulsification and removal of oils and dirt. It is prized for its robust cleansing action and ability to generate a rich, stable foam in rinse-off formulations.

Summary

cleansing foaming surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an anionic surfactant, it reduces surface tension, allowing water to effectively mix with and suspend hydrophobic substances like oils and dirt. This potent emulsifying and foaming action facilitates thorough cleansing, aiding in the removal of impurities from the skin. However, its robust detergency can potentially compromise the skin barrier, leading to dryness or increased transepidermal water loss, particularly at higher concentrations or for individuals with sensitive skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The CIR Expert Panel found concentrations up to 2% to be safe for leave-on products.
  2. 02 However, a re-review predicted dermal irritation at 1% in reagent-grade water.
  3. 03 Ocular irritation was observed at 5% (mild) and above 10% (moderate).
  4. 04 Dermal irritation results at higher concentrations (38-40%) were inconsistent, with some studies showing irritation and others finding none up to 36.9% active ingredients.
  5. 05 While not sensitizing in multiple guinea pig tests up to 38%, sensitization has been linked to low-level gamma sultone residues.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 6.5 – 9.5
0 7 14

Stability

Exhibits broad pH stability, including acidic environments, and maintains versatility with excellent compatibility across various surfactant types (non-ionic, amphoteric, anionic). Demonstrates good resistance to hard water.

Synergies

  • Compatible with non-ionic, amphoteric, and other anionic surfactants.

Conflicts

  • Manufacturing processes involving sodium hypochlorite can generate sensitizing unsaturated and chlorosultone byproducts.
  • When using ammonium chloride for thickening, the formulation pH must be kept below 7.0 to prevent ammonia formation and undesirable odors.

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The CIR Expert Panel concluded it is safe for rinse-off use and safe up to 2% in leave-on products. Strict impurity limits are mandated for gamma sultones (unsubstituted alkane sultones at ≤10 ppm; chlorosultones at ≤1 ppm; unsaturated sultones at ≤0.1 ppm). Approved by FDA as an indirect food additive and inert ingredient in pesticides. It is listed in the EU CosIng database.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Its high irritancy, medium comedogenicity, and potential for skin barrier disruption make it unsuitable for precision skincare formulations, despite its efficacy in general rinse-off cleansing.

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