Sodium C-14-16 Olefin Sulfonate ●
TL;DR. It is a high-foaming anionic surfactant used as the primary cleanser in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and hand washes. It lifts oil and soil and helps build quick, stable lather.
What does Sodium C-14-16 Olefin Sulfonate do in a cosmetic formula?
It is a high-foaming anionic surfactant used as the primary cleanser in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and hand washes. It lifts oil and soil and helps build quick, stable lather.
Is Sodium C-14-16 Olefin Sulfonate clean?
Clean-beauty standards vary: many formulas use it as a sulfate-free cleanser, but some retailer frameworks flag it for stronger degreasing and higher dryness or stinging potential than milder surfactants. It is mainly a rinse-off ingredient and is not a common allergen concern.
Is Sodium C-14-16 Olefin Sulfonate sustainable?
This material is usually made from petrochemical or mixed bio-based hydrocarbon feedstocks through sulfonation and neutralization. It is generally readily biodegradable, but its sustainability profile depends on documented renewable sourcing and responsible wastewater handling.
Is Sodium C-14-16 Olefin Sulfonate COSMOS-approved?
It is not automatically permitted under COSMOS-natural or COSMOS-organic; acceptance would require a certified grade with compliant renewable feedstock and an allowed processing route. From a Green Chemistry view, biodegradability is a positive, while petrochemical sourcing and relatively high aquatic surfactant load make the fit partial.
How does Sodium C-14-16 Olefin Sulfonate work chemically?
The molecule is supplied as a mixture of anionic sulfonated hydrocarbon salts, mainly with 14- and 16-carbon chains, often as a 35 to 40 percent aqueous active solution. Typical active use in rinse-off cleansers is about 3 to 15 percent, and it is commonly paired with amphoteric or nonionic surfactants to improve mildness, foam quality, and viscosity.
Last updated 2026-08-19