Sodium C14-18 Olefin Sulfonate

What is Sodium C14-18 Olefin Sulfonate?

Sodium C14-18 Olefin Sulfonate is an anionic surfactant synthesized through the sulfonation of alpha-olefins containing 14 to 18 carbon atoms, usually sourced from petrochemical feedstocks like ethylene oligomers. Commonly found in rinse-off personal care items such as shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers, it acts by disrupting the interfacial tension between water and lipids on the skin or hair. The molecule's polar sulfonate head group attracts water, while the nonpolar alkyl tail binds oils and grime, enabling micelle formation that encapsulates and rinses away impurities. Renowned for producing dense, creamy foam even in hard water, it improves product spreadability and perceived cleansing power without leaving heavy residues. Its chain length distribution enhances mildness relative to shorter-chain alternatives, balancing efficacy and gentleness in formulations.

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

Delivers deep yet gentle cleansing by lifting dirt and excess oils.

Generates abundant, stable foam to enhance application and rinse-off.

Performs reliably in hard water, maintaining lather quality.

Who It's For

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

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with normal to oily skin needing thorough daily washes.
Those with very dry skin sensitive to any surfactant stripping.
Individuals preferring foaming cleansers for shampoos or body care.
People experiencing rare sulfonate sensitivities.
Users seeking effective surfactants without comedogenic concerns.
Individuals strictly avoiding petroleum-derived ingredients.

Safety Notes

  • Regulatory reviews affirm safety in typical cosmetic concentrations.
  • Rated low overall hazard by hazard assessment databases.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium C14-18 Olefin Sulfonate

What does it do in products?

Functions as a surfactant to cleanse, emulsify oils, and create foam for better distribution.

Is it comedogenic?

Rated non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores.

How mild is it compared to others?

Generally milder than sodium lauryl sulfate per formulation data.