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Moumoujus

SODIUM OLEYL SULFATE.

Questionable CAS 1847-55-8 / 16979-51-4 / CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Sodium Oleyl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant primarily valued for its robust cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying capabilities in cosmetic formulations. Its amphiphilic nature allows it to effectively reduce surface tension, making it useful in rinse-off products.

Summary

Cleansing Foaming Emulsifying Surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates as an anionic surfactant due to its unique amphiphilic molecular architecture, featuring a hydrophilic (water-loving) sulfate head and a hydrophobic (water-fearing) oleyl tail. In aqueous environments, Sodium Oleyl Sulfate intelligently positions itself at interfaces, such as oil-water boundaries. By aligning its oleyl tail away from the water and its sulfate head within the water, it significantly reduces the liquid's surface tension, which is fundamental to its efficacy in lifting impurities, generating lather, and stabilizing immiscible liquids.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.1–29%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A comprehensive safety assessment of Sodium Oleyl Sulfate, alongside related alkyl sulfates, determined its safety for cosmetic use within concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 29%, particularly in rinse-off applications like soaps and shampoos.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

The stability of Sodium Oleyl Sulfate is compromised under acidic conditions, which accelerate the hydrolysis of its sulfate ester bond. Optimal stability is observed in neutral to alkaline pH environments.

Conflicts

  • Acidic pH (promotes degradation via hydrolysis)
  • Hard water (diminishes surfactant efficiency)
  • Certain incompatible components (may induce precipitation)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
1%
Sensitization risk High

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has deemed Sodium Oleyl Sulfate and similar alkyl sulfates safe for cosmetic applications, with a recommended maximum concentration of 1% in leave-on products. It is classified by GHS as an irritant, capable of causing skin irritation and serious eye damage. There is also a potential for it to disrupt skin biochemistry and the skin microbiome, potentially exacerbating pre-existing conditions such as dandruff or eczema. It is recognized by the FDA as a Food Contact Substance. No specific SCCS opinion was identified.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While effective as a cleansing and foaming agent in rinse-off applications, Sodium Oleyl Sulfate's high potential for skin irritation and disruption of the skin microbiome poses significant concerns for precision skincare formulations.

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