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SODIUM C16-18 OLEFIN SULFONATE.

Valuable CAS 91722-28-0 / CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

SODIUM C16-18 OLEFIN SULFONATE is a robust anionic surfactant widely incorporated into cleansing formulations. It effectively helps water mix with oily residues and dirt, facilitating their removal, and also enhances foaming properties and product stability.

Summary

Cleansing Agent Foaming Wetting Agent Emulsifier

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as an alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS) surfactant, primarily serving as a cleansing agent. Its molecular structure reduces surface tension, enabling the emulsification of oil and dirt particles for easy rinsing. It additionally acts as a wetting agent and an emulsifier, contributing to formulation consistency and application.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Ocular irritation was observed, categorized as mild at 5% concentration and moderate when concentrations exceeded 10%.
  2. 02 Dermal irritation was predicted at 1% for Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate (a closely related ingredient) and confirmed at high concentrations, particularly on skin with compromised barrier function.
  3. 03 Sensitization events have been linked to the presence of low-level gamma sultone residues, underscoring the necessity for stringent impurity control.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

While capable of inducing irritation at elevated concentrations or when containing specific impurities, SODIUM C16-18 OLEFIN SULFONATE is not typically flagged as a 'dusted' ingredient when formulated responsibly within established safety parameters and with purified grades.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

SODIUM C16-18 OLEFIN SULFONATE demonstrates exceptional pH stability across a wide spectrum, maintaining its performance in both acidic and alkaline conditions. It exhibits notable stability under acidic environments, making it suitable for synergistic use with ingredients such as alpha hydroxyl acids or salicylic acid. Furthermore, it offers beneficial viscosity, stability in hard water, and thermal resilience up to 400°F (based on the C14-C16 variant).

Synergies

  • Alpha Hydroxyl Acids (AHAs)
  • Salicylic Acid

Safety

Safety Profile

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

The CIR Expert Panel has determined that Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonates, including C16-18, are safe for use in rinse-off products and at concentrations up to 2% in leave-on products. Absorption through healthy skin is minimal, but significantly increases when the skin barrier is compromised. To mitigate sensitization risk, specific impurity limits are mandated for gamma sultones: 10 ppm for unsubstituted alkane sultones, 1 ppm for chlorosultones, and 0.1 ppm for unsaturated sultones. The FDA has approved Alpha-Olefin Sulfonates for particular indirect food additive applications, and its use in European cosmetic and personal care products is permissible under general regulations.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

SODIUM C16-18 OLEFIN SULFONATE is a valuable, high-performance surfactant for rinse-off formulations, provided it is precisely formulated within established safety limits (e.g., max 2% in leave-on products) and adheres to strict impurity controls to minimize its moderate irritancy and sensitization potential, particularly for dry or sensitive skin types.

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