What Is Dea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate?
Dea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate is a surfactant created by combining mid-length fatty alcohols, usually sourced from coconut or palm oils, with sulfuric acid, then neutralizing the mixture with diethanolamine. The result is a salt that dissolves easily in water and carries a charge that helps lift away oils and dirt. Surfactants like this began replacing soap in the 1940s and 1950s because they work in hard water without leaving scum, and chemists soon found that adjusting the carbon chain length of the fatty alcohols produced gentler, more stable lather. Today manufacturers produce Dea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate in large reactors where the fatty alcohols are sulfated under controlled temperature, washed, then blended with diethanolamine to reach the right pH for skin-friendly formulas.
You will most often spot this ingredient in products that need lots of foam and rinse-off power, such as shampoos, body washes, bubble baths, facial cleansers, liquid hand soaps, shaving creams and micellar makeup removers. It can also appear in exfoliating scrubs and peel-off masks where quick, even spreading is important.
Dea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multifunctional surfactant adds several performance perks to rinse-off cosmetics
- Cleansing – Its charged ends surround oil and grime so they can be rinsed away, leaving skin or hair feeling clean without heavy residue
- Foaming – It produces a rich, stable lather that helps users spread the product evenly and gives a sensorial “clean” cue during use
Who Can Use Dea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate
This surfactant works well for most people with normal, oily or combination skin because it removes excess oil without leaving an obvious film. Those with very dry, eczema-prone or highly sensitive skin may find it too cleansing since it can wash away needed lipids and weaken the skin barrier, which may lead to tightness or irritation.
The ingredient is typically sourced from coconut or palm oil and no animal-derived materials are used in its production, so it is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety reviews show no evidence that Dea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate absorbs through intact skin in amounts that would be harmful during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still ask a healthcare professional before adding new personal care products, just to be safe.
The ingredient does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also safe for color-treated hair, though heavy daily use could speed up fading over time.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Dea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate differ between individuals. The points below outline possible side effects, but most people will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels.
- Dryness or a tight feeling after rinsing
- Redness or stinging on sensitive or broken skin
- Eye irritation if the product gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in those already allergic to diethanolamine or sulfates
- Scalp itch or flaking when used in high-foaming shampoos
If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 (non-comedogenic)
Dea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate is fully water soluble and rinses away without leaving a residue so it does not stay on skin long enough to block pores. It lacks the heavy oils and waxes that typically clog follicles which is why it earns a zero rating.
The ingredient is therefore considered suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Because it is almost always used in rinse-off products any risk of pore clogging is extremely low, though over-cleansing could still lead to rebound oiliness in some users.
Summary
Dea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate cleanses and foams by surrounding oils with its charged head then suspending them in water so they wash away while its carbon tail stabilises lather for a satisfying feel.
It shows up in a wide range of everyday shampoos, shower gels and facial washes thanks to its strong performance and budget-friendly cost, although gentler alternatives are gaining ground.
Safety assessments rate it as non-toxic with dryness or irritation being the main issues at high levels. Patch test new products that contain it so you know how your own skin responds.