Sodium Oleth Sulfate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 27233-34-7, Disodium;1-octadec-9-enoxyoctadec-9-ene;sulfate
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Clean
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-sulfo-.omega.-(9-(Z)-octadecenyloxy)-, sodium salt (1-4 mol EO average molar ratio)
Formula
C36H70Na2O5S
Mol. Weight
661.00
CAS #
27233-34-7
Form
Powder
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Foaming
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
Creates cleansing foam
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
Traditional Use
Developed in the mid-20th century as a synthetic surfactant derived from oleic acid. Used in modern cosmetics as a cleansing and emulsifying agent with no traditional precedent.
EWG
2
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR