Sodium Decylbenzenesulfonate

AKA: Sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate, 2627-06-7, Sodium p-decylbenzenesulfonate, Benzenesulfonic acid, Sodium salt, HSDB 5889, 4-Decylbenzenesulfonic acid
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from petroleum-based alkylbenzene and sulfuric acid or sulfur trioxide precursors within the anionic surfactant chemical family. Synthesized through sulfonation of linear alkylbenzene followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
Salts of alkylbenzene sulfonates, including ammonium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, DEA-dodecylbenzenesulfonate, isopropylamine dodecylbenzenesulfonate, magnesium isodecylbenzenesulfonate, MIPA-dodecylbenzenesulfonate, potassium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium decylbenzenesulfonate, SDDBS, sodium tridecylbenzenesulfonate, TEA-DDBS, and TEA-tridecylbenzenesulfonate, are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the practices of use given in this safety assessment when formulated to be nonirritating.
Formula
C16H25NaO3S
Mol. Weight
320.40
CAS #
1322-98-1
State
White solid; [HSDB]
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.
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
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Skin Irritant in Testing (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 544)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions severe (CIR 98)
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR