DEA-Cetyl Sulfate

AKA: 51541-51-6, Diethanolamine hexadecyl sulfate, Diethanolamine cetyl sulfate, Diethanolammonium cetyl sulfate, Hexadecyl sulfate (1:1), Diethanolamine salt, DEA-CETYL SULFATE [INCI]
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from diethanolamine and cetyl sulfate, both synthetic organic compounds from petroleum-based feedstocks. Synthesized through sulfation of cetyl alcohol followed by neutralization with diethanolamine.
Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium hexadecyl sulphate
Formula
C20H45NO6S
Mol. Weight
427.60
CAS #
51541-51-6
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
Restricted By
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2017
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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