Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations primarily for cleansing and foaming. It is a sodium salt mixture containing sulfonated C14–C16 olefinic components and is widely used in cleansing formulations where effective surface activity and foam generation are required.
The ingredient belongs to the olefin sulfonate family of surfactants. The designation C14-16 indicates the range of carbon-chain lengths associated with the ingredient rather than a single molecular species. The term “olefin” refers to unsaturated hydrocarbons, while “sulfonate” refers to the sulfonate salt functionality.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is particularly relevant to shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, shower gels, cleansing gels and other rinse-off personal-care formulations. Its documented cosmetic functions include cleansing, foaming and surfactant-cleansing.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant consisting of sodium salts associated with C14–C16 olefin sulfonate components.
The nomenclature provides useful information about its structure:
The commercial INCI ingredient is a mixture/UVCB rather than one single discrete compound. PubChem records the CAS 68439-57-6 for Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and identifies it as a UVCB substance.
COSMILE Europe identifies the ingredient as synthetic and lists cleansing, foaming and surfactant-cleansing as its cosmetic functions.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate belongs to the family of alpha-olefin sulfonates (AOS) and consists of sulfonated olefin components with carbon-chain lengths in the C14–C16 range.
Unlike a single pure chemical compound, the commercial INCI ingredient represents a defined compositional range. Therefore, one universal molecular formula and molecular weight should not be assigned to the entire commercial ingredient.
For comparison, PubChem contains individual discrete compounds within this chemical family, such as sodium tetradecenesulfonate, with formula C14H29NaO3S. That discrete formula should not be presented as the universal formula of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate.
The primary application of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is cleansing.
As a surfactant, it reduces surface tension and helps facilitate interaction between water and oily or particulate materials. This allows cleansing formulations to help remove unwanted materials from skin, hair or other surfaces during rinsing.
Potential formulation benefits include:
COSMILE Europe specifically lists cleansing and surfactant-cleansing among the ingredient's cosmetic functions.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is also documented as a foaming ingredient.
It can contribute to the formation and stabilization of foam in appropriately designed cleansing formulations. Foam performance depends on the overall formulation, surfactant concentration, water quality, electrolytes, pH, co-surfactants and processing conditions.
Potential applications include:
COSMILE Europe defines its foaming function as forming foam by trapping air or other gases in a liquid.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is used in hair-cleansing formulations where surfactant cleansing and foam are required.
Potential applications include:
The finished shampoo should be evaluated for cleansing performance, foam, viscosity, pH, sensory properties and compatibility with conditioning ingredients.
The ingredient can be used in suitable facial cleansing formulations.
Potential applications include:
The overall formulation should be optimized according to the intended skin type, cleansing strength, surfactant combination and sensory profile.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate can be incorporated into body cleansing formulations such as:
It can be combined with other surfactants and formulation ingredients to achieve the desired cleansing and foam profile.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is often considered in formulations positioned as sulphate-free, because an olefin sulfonate is chemically different from sulfate surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
However, “sulphate-free” does not automatically mean “mild.” The overall formulation, concentration, surfactant combination and intended use determine the final product characteristics.
Potential applications include:
The ingredient can be used in a variety of personal-care cleansing systems.
Potential applications include:
Surfactants are often combined to balance cleansing, foam and sensory properties. COSMILE Europe notes that surfactants may be combined to meet desired performance requirements.
When developing formulations containing Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, important parameters include:
Exact specifications depend on the commercial grade and supplier specification.
Typical formulation development considerations include:
Processing conditions should be established through formulation trials for the specific grade.
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a specialty anionic surfactant for cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
For commercial procurement, formulators can evaluate:
When sourcing Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, buyers may consider:
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate can be supplied as a cosmetic raw material for:
For bulk procurement, the exact grade and technical specification should be established before purchase.
Important parameters include:
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a synthetic anionic surfactant consisting of sodium salts associated with C14-C16 olefin sulfonate components. It is primarily used for cleansing and foaming.
The INCI name is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate.
The CAS number associated with the commercial INCI substance is 68439-57-6.
The documented functions are cleansing, foaming and surfactant-cleansing.
Yes. It belongs to the olefin sulfonate family of anionic surfactants.
COSMILE Europe identifies its origin as synthetic.
Yes. It is suitable for evaluation in shampoo and other hair-cleansing formulations.
Yes. It can be used in suitable facial cleansing formulations.
Yes. It can be incorporated into body washes and shower-cleansing products.
Yes. Foaming is one of its documented cosmetic functions.
No. They are different surfactants. Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate belongs to the olefin sulfonate family, while Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a sulfate ester surfactant.
No. The carbon-chain range differs. C14-16 and C14-18 represent different INCI compositions.
The commercial INCI ingredient is a mixture/UVCB, so a single universal molecular formula should not be assigned to the complete ingredient. Individual compounds within the family can have their own molecular formulas.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |