Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate

Benefits

Cleansing

What is Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate?

Sodium cetearyl sulfate is an anionic surfactant formed by sulfating cetearyl alcohol—a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols typically sourced from coconut or palm oils—and neutralizing with sodium hydroxide. This gives it a longer alkyl chain structure compared to shorter sulfates. Primarily featured in rinse-off cosmetics like shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers, it also appears in some leave-on emulsions. Its key function involves reducing water's surface tension to blend with oils and soils, forming micelles that trap dirt for effortless rinsing. It also generates foam under agitation, aiding even product spread and user experience. The extended chain length contributes to milder interaction with skin compared to harsher short-chain variants, balancing efficacy with gentleness in formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

PubChem View on PubChem →

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

Gentle cleansing removes dirt and oils without excessive stripping.

Produces rich, stable foam for better application and rinsing.

Emulsifies ingredients to create smooth, effective product textures.

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 everyday mild foaming cleansers for hair and body.	Those allergic to alkyl sulfates or similar surfactants.
Individuals with normal skin preferring surfactant-based washes.	People with very reactive skin sensitive to any foaming agents.
People wanting balanced cleansing in shampoos or conditioners.	Individuals opting for completely sulfate-free products.

Safety Notes

Safety reviews affirm its use in cosmetics at standard levels.
Non-comedogenic profile suggests low pore-clogging risk.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate

What makes Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate milder?

Its longer fatty alcohol chain reduces irritation compared to short-chain sulfates in rinse-off products.

Is it suitable for daily use in cleansers?

Yes, it supports effective daily cleansing with foaming action in shampoos and body washes.

Does it clog pores?

Rated non-comedogenic, it poses low risk for acne-prone skin.