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TEA-C10-15 ALKYL SULFATE.

Questionable / FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING

TEA-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant primarily valued for its potent cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying capabilities. While effective in rinse-off products, its inherent nature can lead to significant skin and eye irritation, particularly at higher concentrations or in formulations intended for prolonged skin contact. Its use is restricted to ensure safety and prevent potential adverse reactions.

Summary

surfactant cleansing agent emulsifying agent foaming agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as an anionic surfactant, effectively reducing surface tension to facilitate the mixing of oil and water-soluble compounds. Its primary actions include wetting, emulsifying, cleansing, and foaming, which make it useful for lifting dirt and oils from surfaces. However, its powerful surfactant nature is also associated with a potential for irritation to skin and eyes.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A 10% solution of C12 AS TEA, a structurally similar compound, was observed to induce intense erythema in human skin during an irritation study.
  2. 02 A diluted shampoo containing 4.4% C12 AS TEA (a similar compound) demonstrated high irritation potential in a 21-day cumulative irritation test.
  3. 03 Clinical studies on aqueous shampoo formulations containing 0.3-0.42% TEA-Lauryl Sulfate (a related ingredient) indicated no sensitizing or photosensitizing effects.
  4. 04 TEA-Lauryl Sulfate (a related ingredient) was found to be usable without significant irritation at final concentrations not exceeding 10.5%; higher concentrations may elevate irritation risk.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
5% (for products with prolonged skin contact)%
Red flag below
>5% (for products with prolonged skin contact)%

TEA-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate is commonly dusted, especially in leave-on formulations, due to its high irritancy potential. Concentrations exceeding 5% in products intended for prolonged skin contact are a red flag, as evidenced by studies showing significant irritation at similar or even lower percentages of related compounds.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

An explicit optimal pH range for stability is not provided for TEA-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate. However, related compounds such as TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate exhibit a pH of 6.5-7.5 in a 3% aqueous solution, and irritation studies involving C12 AS TEA were conducted at a neutral pH.

Conflicts

  • N-nitrosating agents (due to the potential for forming carcinogenic nitrosamines with Triethanolamine (TEA) and Diethanolamine (DEA))

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Max tested
5% (for products with prolonged skin contact); for rinse-off products, suitable for discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing.%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel has determined this ingredient group, including TEA-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate, safe for use in cosmetic formulations designed for brief, discontinuous contact and thorough rinsing. For products intended for prolonged skin contact, the total concentration of ethanolamines should not exceed 5%. Furthermore, it is critical to avoid co-formulation with N-nitrosating agents to prevent the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

Due to its potent but often irritating surfactant nature and strict concentration limits for safety, TEA-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate is a questionable choice for precision skincare formulations, best reserved for thoroughly rinsed-off products at minimal effective concentrations.

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References

Sources