Ingredient Directory
Medium ConcernVegan

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Sodium alkene sulfonate (C14-C16)

Safety Flags
Safety Notes

Anionic olefin sulfonate derived from alpha-olefin sulfonation. Higher irritation potential than sulfate-free alternatives; can cause scalp and skin dryness at high concentrations. Not typically used in sensitive skin or baby formulations. Effective secondary surfactant in shampoos. Mixed isomers (alkene and hydroxyalkane sulfonates).

Function & Common Use

Function

Surfactant / Cleansing Agent / Foaming Agent

Category

Surfactants

Common In

Shampoos, body washes, liquid soaps, industrial cleaners

Origin

Synthetic

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

None

EU Cosmetics Reg.

None

US FDA (21 CFR)

None

Korea (MFDS)

None

Format restriction: None

Baby restriction: Not recommended for infant products

Pregnancy: No

IFRA: No

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate safe to use in skincare?

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate has a Medium concern rating. Anionic olefin sulfonate derived from alpha-olefin sulfonation. Higher irritation potential than sulfate-free alternatives; can cause scalp and skin dryness at high concentrations. Not typically used in sensitive skin or baby formulations. Effective secondary surfactant in shampoos. Mixed isomers (alkene and hydroxyalkane sulfonates).

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate allowed in India?

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is None.

What is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate used for in cosmetics?

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate functions as: Surfactant / Cleansing Agent / Foaming Agent. It is commonly found in: Shampoos, body washes, liquid soaps, industrial cleaners.

Can Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate cause an allergic reaction?

Yes. Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate has an allergen flag (No). If you have sensitive skin or known fragrance/contact allergies, patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate safe for babies?

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate has baby/child restrictions: Not recommended for infant products. Avoid using products containing this ingredient on infants unless specifically formulated and labelled for baby use.

TCS Assessment
Medium Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Permitted
Canada (NHPID)
Permitted

EU Annex: None

Identifiers

CAS68439-57-6
EC270-407-8

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