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SODIUM C14-18 ALKANE SULFONATE.

Valuable CAS 85409-29-6 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

A powerful surfactant, Sodium C14-18 Alkane Sulfonate excels as a cleansing agent, effectively emulsifying oils and dirt to facilitate their removal from the skin. Its molecular structure, possessing both water-attracting and oil-attracting segments, enables it to reduce surface tension and lift impurities, making it ideal for thorough cleansing.

Summary

Surfactant Cleansing Agent Emulsifier

Science

Mechanism of Action

Sodium C14-18 Alkane Sulfonate functions as an anionic surfactant by reducing the surface tension between water and insoluble substances like oils and dirt. Its unique molecular structure features both hydrophilic (water-loving) and hydrophobic (oil-loving) components. This allows it to encapsulate and suspend dirt, oils, and pollutants, forming an emulsion that can be easily rinsed away from the skin's surface.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The CIR Expert Panel concluded safety for use in leave-on products at concentrations up to 2% and in rinse-off products generally, provided specific impurity thresholds are met.
  2. 02 Mild ocular irritation was documented at 5% concentration, progressing to moderate ocular irritation above 10% in studies by the CIR Expert Panel.
  3. 03 While not directly referring to Sodium C14-18 Alkane Sulfonate, a related compound, Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate (reagent grade), was predicted to cause dermal irritation at 1%.
  4. 04 Similarly, C12-16 alkyl sulfates, a related group of surfactants, were noted to potentially irritate skin at concentrations exceeding 5%.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

No indication of common 'dusting' or overuse beyond specific formulation considerations for powder detergents, where excessive amounts are cautioned against due to water-absorbing deliquescence.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient demonstrates robust chemical stability across alkaline, neutral, and weakly acidic pH ranges, and is unaffected by hard water. Formulations may exhibit separation and thus require regular homogenization before use. To prevent turbidity and separation, storage temperatures should not fall below 20°C. Due to its moisture sensitivity, it must be kept in tightly sealed, original containers in a cool, dry, and light-protected environment. Its use in powder detergents should be carefully managed to avoid excessive amounts, given its water-absorbing (deliquescent) properties.

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The CIR Expert Panel deems Sodium C14-18 Alkane Sulfonates safe for use in rinse-off products, and safe at concentrations up to 2% in leave-on products. Crucial safety restrictions apply to gamma sultone impurity levels: unsubstituted alkane sultones must be ≤ 10 ppm, chlorosultones ≤ 1 ppm, and unsaturated sultones ≤ 0.1 ppm. This ingredient shows poor absorption through healthy skin but can be significantly absorbed through damaged skin. Genotoxicity data were mostly negative, and both oral and dermal carcinogenicity studies yielded negative results. Related Alpha-Olefin Sulfonates (C10-18) are approved by the FDA for specific indirect food additive applications. Its use in cosmetics within the European Union is permitted under general regulatory provisions.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Moderate
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium C14-18 Alkane Sulfonate is a valuable cleansing surfactant, effective at removing impurities, but requires careful formulation within established concentration limits due to its potential for irritation at higher levels, particularly on compromised skin.

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