Sodium Decylbenzenesulfonate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Sodium 4-decylbenzenesulfonate, 2627-06-7, Sodium p-decylbenzenesulfonate, Benzenesulfonic acid, Sodium salt, HSDB 5889, 4-Decylbenzenesulfonic acid
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Medicated Active
Not Clean
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]
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
Developed in the mid-20th century as a benzene-ring sulfonated detergent. Created for industrial and household cleaning products before use in some cosmetic formulations for stronger cleansing action.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR