Sodium Ethylhexyl Sulfate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Tergemist, Tergimist, Etasulfato sodico, Pentrone ON, Sulfirol 8, Tergitol 08, Tergitol anionic 08, Propaste 6708, Sodium octyl sulfate, Iso
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Sodium(2-ethylhexyl)alcohol sulfate is a clear, colorless, slightly viscous liquid. (NTP, 1992)
Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 68 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C8H18NaO4S
Mol. Weight
233.28
CAS #
126-92-1
Form
Powder
State
Sodium(2-ethylhexyl)alcohol sulfate is a clear, colorless, slightly viscous liquid. (NTP, 1992)
Functions
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.
Hydrotrope
Surfactant Cleansing
Surfactant Emulsifying
Surfactant Hydrotrope
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Improves ingredient solubility
Traditional Use
Created in the mid-20th century as a synthetic surfactant and cleansing agent. Designed to be milder than earlier sulfates while maintaining effective cleansing properties in personal care formulations.
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