What Is Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate?
Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate is a synthetic cleansing agent made by attaching ethylene oxide units and a sulfate group to a blend of fatty alcohols with chain lengths of 10 to 15 carbons. The result is a water-soluble salt that can trap oil and dirt so they rinse away with water. The fatty alcohols used today are usually derived from petroleum or plant oils, while the ethoxylation and sulfation steps take place in controlled industrial reactors.
The ingredient evolved in the late 20th century as chemists looked for milder alternatives to traditional sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate. By shortening the carbon chain and adding small amounts of ethylene oxide, they created a surfactant that still foams well but feels gentler on skin and hair. Once safety testing confirmed it was less irritating than older sulfates, formulators began adding it to shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers.
Production starts with C10-C15 fatty alcohols that react with ethylene oxide to form polyethylene glycol ethers. These ethers are then treated with sulfur trioxide to add the sulfate group, neutralized with sodium hydroxide and finally purified to remove excess salts. The finished powder or paste disperses easily into water-based formulas.
Today you will most often find Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate in foaming cleansers such as shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths, facial washes and hand soaps. It may also appear in scrub masks and makeup brush cleansers when a strong yet skin-friendly detergent is needed.
Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Its main role in cosmetics is straightforward:
Cleansing: The molecule has both water-loving and oil-loving parts, allowing it to surround grime, excess sebum and product buildup so they lift off the surface and rinse away. This gives formulations a rich lather and leaves skin or hair feeling fresh without a heavy residue.
Who Can Use Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate
Because it is milder than many classic sulfates this surfactant suits most normal, oily or combination skin and scalp types. Very dry or highly sensitive skin may find frequent use a bit stripping since the ingredient still removes natural oils, so those users might prefer formulas blended with extra emollients or use it less often.
The raw materials are synthetic or plant derived and no animal components are needed in its production, so products containing Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate are generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. As always ingredient sourcing can vary by brand so anyone with strict lifestyle requirements should confirm with the manufacturer.
Current safety data show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in wash-off cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is minimal. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review all personal care products with a qualified healthcare provider to be certain they meet individual needs.
Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate does not cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also compatible with most other common cosmetic ingredients and does not interfere with sunscreen performance or topical medications applied afterward.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential issues but most people will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Dryness or tight feeling
- Transient stinging or redness, especially on sensitive skin
- Mild eye irritation if cleanser gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals already sensitized to surfactants
- Fading of artificial hair color with frequent shampoo use
If any uncomfortable reaction occurs stop using the product and seek guidance from a healthcare professional or pharmacist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5
Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate is a fully water-soluble surfactant that lifts away oil rather than adding any occlusive film, so it does not clog pores. It is also used almost exclusively in rinse-off products, giving skin very little contact time. For these reasons formulators and dermatology references consider it non-comedogenic.
People who are prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing this ingredient without worrying about new blemishes.
The only caveat is that an overly strong cleanser can trigger rebound oil production in some users. Choosing a well-balanced formula with hydrators can help prevent that cycle.
Summary
Sodium C10-15 Alketh Sulfate is a cleansing agent that works by surrounding dirt, sebum and product buildup with its oil-loving tail while its water-loving head keeps everything suspended so it rinses away cleanly. This delivers the satisfying foam and fresh feel people expect from shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers.
It has gained steady popularity as a gentler alternative to classic sulfates, showing up in many mid-range and mass-market wash-off products. While not as buzzworthy as sulfate-free blends, it strikes a practical balance between cost, performance and mildness so brands keep using it.
Safety studies and decades of consumer use indicate it is low risk when used as directed, especially because it is washed off within seconds. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is smart to patch test any new product that features this ingredient before making it part of a daily routine.