Sodium C16-18 Olefin Sulfonate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Surfactant, Anionic Surfactant, Alpha Olefin Sulfonate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Medicated Active
Not Clean
Sulfonic acids, C16-18-alkane hydroxy and C16-18-alkene, sodium salts
CAS #
91722-28-0
Form
Liquid
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
Traditional Use
Synthesized from long-chain olefins derived from petroleum in the mid-20th century. Used in premium cleansing products where longer carbon chains provide specific performance characteristics.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR