Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Sulfate Surfactant

Benefits

CleansingSoothing

What is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate?

Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant created through the sulfonation of alpha-olefins containing 14 to 16 carbon atoms, typically sourced from petroleum feedstocks or oleic acid derivatives. It serves as a key ingredient in rinse-off personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and liquid hand soaps. This compound functions by dramatically reducing the surface tension between water and oils, allowing water to spread and penetrate more effectively. It forms micelles—tiny structures that encapsulate dirt, sebum, and residues—lifting them away during rinsing. Renowned for generating thick, stable foam, it enhances product spreadability and user satisfaction. Its high solubility and compatibility with other formulation components make it ideal for clear gels and high-foaming cleansers, providing robust detergency while maintaining relative gentleness on skin and hair.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1-2 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Cleansing agent

Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Foaming

Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.

Benefits

Delivers deep cleansing by lifting away dirt, oil, and impurities.

Produces rich, stable foam to improve product application and rinsing.

Supports skin comfort with soothing effects during use.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking effective yet gentle cleansers for daily routines.	Those with known sensitivity to sulfonate-based surfactants.
People with normal to oily skin needing strong foaming action.	People prone to eye irritation from foaming cleansers.
Users of shampoos and body washes preferring mild surfactants.	Individuals preferring entirely natural or non-synthetic ingredients.

Safety Notes

Considered safe for use in cosmetics by expert reviews, with low overall hazard ratings.
Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores in rinse-off applications.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

What products commonly contain Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate?

It appears in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and hand soaps for its foaming and cleansing abilities.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

It offers relative mildness and soothing potential, but patch testing is advised for sensitivities.

How does it differ from sulfate surfactants?

Derived from olefin sulfonation, it provides similar cleansing but often with improved mildness and foam stability.