Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is a synthetic, water-soluble anionic surfactant made from C14-16 olefins. Formulators use it for intense sebum and residue removal and dense foam, especially in clarifying shampoos and strong oil-control cleansing products.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A powerful cleansing agent that removes oil with a dense lather.
Category
Cleansing, Oil Control
Type
Surfactant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It provides powerful degreasing for an exceptionally clean feel, lifting styling film and pollutants while delivering dense, satisfying lather.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's used in clarifying shampoos, anti-residue washes, and oil-targeting facial cleansers, and appears in foaming body washes intended for occasional intensive cleansing.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

It can be irritating or drying when used frequently or at strong levels; balancing it with milder co-surfactants and humectants helps reduce harshness. Those with sensitive skin should limit exposure and assess tolerance.

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate a Good Ingredient?

It delivers strong degreasing and dense foam for deep cleansing, which is genuinely useful, but it rates Fair since it can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to dryness or irritation, especially for sensitive types or with daily use.

Products with Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

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