Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations primarily for cleansing and foaming. It belongs to the alpha-olefin sulfonate family and contains sulfonated hydrocarbon components within the C14–C16 carbon-chain range.
The ingredient is particularly useful in rinse-off formulations where effective cleansing, wetting and foam generation are required. Common application areas include shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, shower gels, cleansing gels and other personal-care cleansing products.
The designation C14-16 describes the carbon-chain range of the olefin starting material and does not indicate a single molecular species. Therefore, Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate should be treated as a compositionally defined mixture rather than a single pure compound with one universal molecular formula.
Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is an alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS) surfactant in sodium-salt form. It contains sulfonated olefin components derived from C14–C16 alpha-olefins.
Its amphiphilic structure provides surface-active properties that support interaction between water, oils and particulate materials during cleansing.
Key characteristics include:
Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is produced by sulfonation of alpha-olefins followed by neutralization. The resulting material contains sulfonated components and can contain different structural forms associated with the manufacturing process.
Because the commercial ingredient is a mixture, a single molecular formula should not be assigned to the complete material.
The main function of Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is cleansing.
Its surface-active properties allow it to help reduce surface tension and facilitate the removal of oils, dirt and other unwanted materials during rinsing.
It can contribute to:
It can be combined with other surfactants to develop a formulation with the desired cleansing and sensory profile.
Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is suitable for formulations where foam formation is desired.
Potential applications include:
Foam volume and stability depend on the complete formulation, surfactant concentration, co-surfactants, pH, electrolytes, water quality and processing conditions.
Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate can be used in hair-cleansing formulations.
Potential applications include:
When used in shampoo, the complete formulation should be evaluated for cleansing performance, foam, viscosity, pH, hair feel and compatibility with conditioning ingredients.
The ingredient can be considered for facial cleansing formulations requiring an anionic surfactant system.
Potential applications include:
Formulators should optimize the overall surfactant system according to the intended product characteristics.
Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate can be used in body-cleansing formulations such as:
It may be combined with other surfactants, humectants, conditioning agents and viscosity modifiers.
Alpha-olefin sulfonates are chemically different from sulfate surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
Therefore, Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate may be considered in formulations developed without conventional sulfate surfactants.
Potential applications include:
However, the term sulphate-free does not by itself define mildness. The final sensory and cleansing properties depend on the complete formulation and surfactant system.
Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate can be evaluated in a wide range of rinse-off personal-care products.
Applications include:
Important parameters to evaluate during formulation development include:
Exact acceptance criteria should be established according to the selected commercial grade.
Recommended development considerations include:
Exact processing conditions depend on the physical form and concentration of the selected grade.
Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is a specialty anionic surfactant for cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
For commercial procurement, buyers can evaluate:
When sourcing this cosmetic surfactant, important procurement parameters may include:
For bulk procurement, the buyer should specify the required grade and technical requirements.
Key procurement parameters include:
Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant belonging to the alpha-olefin sulfonate family and used primarily for cleansing and foaming.
The commonly used INCI name is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate.
The CAS number is 68439-57-6.
Yes. It is an anionic surfactant.
Yes. Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a synthetic cosmetic ingredient.
It is primarily used for cleansing and foaming in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
Yes. It can be used in suitable shampoo and hair-cleansing formulations.
Yes. It can be incorporated into suitable facial cleansing formulations.
Yes. It can be used in body washes and shower-cleansing products.
The terms are commonly used for the same C14–C16 alpha-olefin sulfonate material. For the final product page, the INCI name should follow the exact supplier and regulatory documentation.
No. Sodium C14-16 Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate is an olefin sulfonate, whereas Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a sulfate ester surfactant.
No single universal molecular formula should be assigned to the commercial C14–C16 olefin sulfonate mixture.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |