Sodium C12-14 Olefin Sulfonate

AKA: Surfactant, Anionic Surfactant, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate

Synthetic

Cleanser

Clean

OriginDerived from long-chain olefins (C12-14), typically sourced from petroleum or plant-based feedstocks. Synthesized through sulfonation of olefins, converting them into sulfonate salts via reaction with sulfuric acid or SO₃.

Sulfonic acids, C12-14-alkane hydroxy and C12-14-alkene, sodium salts

CAS #

85536-12-5

Form

Liquid

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

Functions

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Foaming

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Removes Impurities

Creates Lather

Cleansing Surfactant

Removes dirt and impurities

Creates cleansing foam

Lifts away dirt and oil

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

Concentration Guide

Leave-onNot reported

Rinse-off0.28–5%

0%50%100%

CIR reported use · 2013 survey

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR