Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate

AKA: SODIUM CETEARYL SULPHATE, Sodium hexadecyl sulfate (1:1) mixt. with sodium octadecyl sulfate (1:1), 59186-41-3, Sodium Cetostearyl Sulfate, Sulfuric acid, Monooctadecyl ester, Sodium salt, Mixt. with sodium hexadecyl sulfate
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Clean
Sulfuric acid, mixed cetyl and stearyl esters, sodium salts
Formula
C34H70Na2O8S2
Mol. Weight
717.00
CAS #
59186-41-3
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.
Foaming
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Surfactant Cleansing
Moisturizing
Strengthens Barrier
Antimicrobial
Removes dirt and impurities
Creates cleansing foam
Lifts away dirt and oil
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant developed in the mid-20th century from cetyl and stearyl alcohols (derived from whale oil or plant sources). Created as a cleansing agent for modern shampoos and body washes.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed4 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR