Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate

AKA: Abeson nam, Dodecyl benzenesulfonic acid, Sodium salt, Santomerse 3, Sulframin 85, Sulfapolu, Sulfuril, Sulfaril paste, Ultrawet KX, Ultrawet SK
Synthetic
Cleanser
Clean
Sodium dodecylbenzenesulphonate
Solubility 5 to 10 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C18H29NaO3S
Mol. Weight
348.50
CAS #
25155-30-0
Form
Liquid
State
Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a white to light yellow flakes, granules or powder. It is soluble in water. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to li
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.
Removes Impurities
Cleansing Surfactant
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Fights Bacteria
Traditional Use
Developed in the 1940s as a synthetic surfactant to replace natural soap. Created to improve cleaning performance in hard water conditions where traditional soaps were ineffective.
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-assessed3 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR