Sodium C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate

What is Sodium C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate?

Sodium C14-17 alkyl sec sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant, the sodium salt of secondary sulfonic acids from C14 to C17 alkane chains. Derived from petrochemical sources through sulfonation processes, it appears primarily in rinse-off personal care items like shampoos, shower gels, facial cleansers, and hand washes. It functions by decreasing water's surface tension, which allows better spreading and penetration to solubilize oils, dirt, and residues into micelles for simple rinsing. This ingredient excels at generating thick, creamy foam that distributes evenly and lifts away soils effectively. Its secondary structure contributes to a gentler profile on skin and hair compared to some linear surfactants, supporting its inclusion in daily hygiene products for consistent performance without excessive drying.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 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

Offers effective dirt and oil removal through micelle formation.

Produces abundant, stable lather for enhanced product application.

Supports milder cleansing in formulations for everyday routines.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Users seeking gentle yet thorough cleansing in rinse-off products.
Those with rare allergies to sulfonate-based surfactants.
Individuals preferring products with rich foaming action.
Individuals preferring solely plant-derived cleansing agents.
People with normal to oily skin types using frequent washes.
Users sensitive to any synthetic anionic surfactants.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use in rinse-off products by expert reviews.
  • Exhibits low comedogenic potential, unlikely to clog pores.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate

What does Sodium C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate do in products?

It acts as a surfactant to lower surface tension, cleanse impurities, and create foam in washes and shampoos.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?

Its mild nature makes it a common choice in gentle cleansing formulations.

How does it compare to other surfactants?

It provides good foaming with potentially less irritation than some sulfate types.