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SODIUM CETYL SULFATE.

Valuable CAS 1120-01-0 / CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Sodium Cetyl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant known for its multifaceted role as a cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming agent in skincare and cosmetic formulations. It helps to effectively remove impurities from the skin's surface and stabilize oil-in-water mixtures.

Summary

cleansing emulsifying foaming surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functioning as a surfactant, Sodium Cetyl Sulfate's amphiphilic structure enables it to reduce the surface tension of liquids, facilitating the uniform dispersion of oil and water phases in an emulsion. In cleansing applications, it lifts and encapsulates dirt, oils, and environmental pollutants, allowing them to be rinsed away from the skin's surface.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Sodium Cetyl Sulfate is a functional ingredient with established roles as a surfactant, emulsifier, and cleansing agent, not typically added for superficial marketing claims.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

A 0.25% aqueous solution of Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, a closely related alkyl sulfate, exhibits a pH of 6.5. As a basic salt, aqueous solutions of Sodium Cetyl Sulfate generally maintain pH values greater than 7.0. No specific optimal pH range for the ingredient's stability has been identified.

Conflicts

  • should not be used in cosmetic products in which N-nitroso compounds can be formed

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
25%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed Sodium Cetyl Sulfate, alongside related alkyl sulfates, safe for use in cosmetic products. Concentrations up to 2% are considered safe for leave-on products, and up to 25% for rinse-off products. While undiluted Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate (a related compound) can cause mild eye irritation, a 20% aqueous solution showed no irritation to skin or eyes. Sodium Cetyl Sulfate is generally less irritating to the skin than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) but may still cause irritation in sensitive individuals, particularly at pure usage levels. It is biodegradable.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Cetyl Sulfate is a valuable surfactant, offering effective cleansing and emulsifying properties, confirmed safe for cosmetic use within specified concentration limits, especially in rinse-off formulations.

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