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SODIUM OCTOXYNOL-6 SULFATE.

Questionable CAS 12627-38-2 / CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Sodium Octoxynol-6 Sulfate is a synthetic surfactant primarily utilized for its emulsifying, cleansing, and solubilizing properties. It functions by significantly reducing surface tension, which enables the effective blending of immiscible liquids like oil and water, facilitating the removal of impurities from skin and hair.

Summary

surfactant emulsifying cleansing solubilizing hydrotrope

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient acts as a powerful surfactant, efficiently lowering the interfacial tension between substances. This molecular action allows it to stabilize emulsions, disperse non-polar compounds, and enhance the wettability of surfaces, thereby facilitating thorough cleansing and uniform product application.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range ≤5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed Sodium Octoxynol-6 Sulfate safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products and at concentrations up to 5% in leave-on formulations, provided the final product is non-irritating.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

No specific optimal pH range for stability was identified in the available research. Due to reported concerns regarding ocular irritancy, the use of Sodium Octoxynol-6 Sulfate is not recommended for products intended for the eye area. Formulations incorporating this ingredient must be carefully developed to ensure they are non-irritating.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Moderate

The CIR Expert Panel concluded Sodium Octoxynol-6 Sulfate is safe for rinse-off applications and at concentrations of ≤ 5% in leave-on products, conditional on non-irritating formulation and rigorous control of trace impurities such as ethylene oxide, 1,4-dioxane, and unreacted C9 phenols. EWG classifies this ingredient as 'RESTRICTED' for its VERIFIED products, citing moderate risks of allergies, immunotoxicity, irritation to skin, eyes, or lungs, and high concerns regarding potential contamination.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While providing effective surfactant properties, Sodium Octoxynol-6 Sulfate is associated with significant formulation caveats, including strict concentration limits for leave-on products, ocular irritancy concerns, and risks of impurities and irritation, making its suitability for precision skincare questionable.

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