Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

SODIUM ETHYLHEXYL SULFATE.

Avoid CAS 126-92-1 / SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SURFACTANT - HYDROTROPE

Sodium Ethylhexyl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant primarily utilized for its ability to lower surface tension in formulations. It acts as an emulsifying, wetting, dispersing, and foaming agent, while also functioning as a hydrotrope to enhance the solubility of poorly water-soluble substances.

Summary

Surfactant Emulsifying Wetting Agent Dispersing Agent Foaming Agent Hydrotrope Penetrating Agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an anionic surfactant, Sodium Ethylhexyl Sulfate functions by significantly lowering the surface tension of a liquid medium. This action allows it to effectively emulsify, wet, disperse, and create foam, facilitating the uniform distribution of ingredients. Furthermore, it serves as a hydrotrope, improving the solubility of lipophilic compounds in aqueous solutions, which can aid in product performance and stability within cosmetic formulations.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 7 – 9
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient exhibits robust stability across neutral, alkaline, and weak acid conditions, tolerating even strong alkaline solutions. However, it is prone to hydrolysis and reduction in strong acidic environments, and its stability is compromised by extreme temperatures.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • excessive heat

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

Sodium Ethylhexyl Sulfate presents notable safety concerns, with classifications indicating it causes skin irritation (H315) and serious eye damage (H318). It is also described as moderately toxic via ingestion and skin contact, with a potential to de-fat the skin. While an EPA program classified a related synonym as having low concern, this assessment may not directly translate to its safety at various cosmetic concentrations, given the explicit warnings of irritation. Its FDA status is limited to indirect food additive use in adhesives, not direct cosmetic applications.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Due to its significant potential for skin and eye irritation, de-fatting properties, and lack of comprehensive cosmetic safety reviews, Sodium Ethylhexyl Sulfate is not recommended for precision skincare formulations.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…