murphySodium Ethylhexyl Sulfate
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
OriginDerived from petroleum-based hydrocarbons or fatty alcohols within the sulfate ester chemical family. Synthesized through sulfation of ethylhexyl alcohol, followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide.
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)
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.
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
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
Eye Irritant in Testing
4 studies / 4 irritating / reactions moderate to severe (CIR 532)
Skin Irritant in Testing
2 studies / 2 irritating (CIR 532)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2010
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR