Sodium C12-15 Pareth Sulfate

AKA: Surfactant, Anionic Surfactant

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Clean

Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-C12-15-alkyl-.omega.-sulfooxy-, sodium salt (1-4 mol EO average molar ratio)

CAS #

91648-56-5

Form

Powder

Functions

Cleansing

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

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.

Surfactant Cleansing

Surfactant Emulsifying

Anti-Inflammatory

Antimicrobial

Fights Acne

Removes dirt and impurities

Lifts away dirt and oil

Mixes oil and water

Traditional Use

A modern synthetic surfactant developed as part of the broader class of pareth sulfates in the 1950s-1970s. Engineered for enhanced cleansing and foaming in personal care formulations.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

General

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

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

Verified Jun 2026

Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR