Sodium Cetyl Sulfate

What is Sodium Cetyl Sulfate?

Sodium cetyl sulfate is the sodium salt of sulfuric acid mono(cetyl) ester, an anionic surfactant produced by sulfating cetyl alcohol—a long-chain fatty alcohol sourced from coconut or palm kernel oils—with subsequent neutralization using sodium hydroxide. It belongs to the alkyl sulfate family and appears as a white paste or powder soluble in water. Primarily featured in rinse-off formulations such as shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and facial cleansers, it works by lowering surface tension between water, oil, and dirt. This action allows it to form micelles that encapsulate soils for easy rinsing, stabilize oil-in-water emulsions for creamy textures, and generate rich lather under agitation, enhancing product spreadability and user experience without leaving residue.

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.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.
Foaming
Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.

Benefits

Provides effective cleansing by lifting dirt and oils from skin and hair.

Creates stable foam for better product distribution during washing.

Supports emulsion stability in cleansers and conditioners for smooth 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
People seeking gentle, foaming cleansers for daily hair and body care.
Those with very dry or damaged skin barriers prone to surfactant sensitivity.
Individuals with normal skin types wanting non-comedogenic surfactants.
People experiencing irritation from anionic surfactants in general.
Users preferring rinse-off products with mild lathering properties.
Individuals preferring completely sulfate-free formulations.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by safety assessments for use in cosmetics.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores in cleansing products.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Cetyl Sulfate

What is sodium cetyl sulfate used for?

It serves as a surfactant for cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming in shampoos, body washes, and cleansers.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

Safety reviews deem it low hazard, though patch testing is advised for sensitivities.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of zero, making it suitable for acne-prone skin in rinse-off uses.