What Is Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate?
Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate is the triethanolamine salt of sulfonated C14-17 chain alkanes, which are mid-length hydrocarbon chains most often sourced from refined mineral oil or plant-based paraffins. Chemists first explored these secondary alkane sulfonates in the mid-20th century while searching for alternatives to harsher sulfate surfactants. By neutralizing the acidic sulfonated chains with triethanolamine, they produced a water-soluble ingredient that cleans well yet feels gentler on skin and hair.
The manufacturing process starts with straight C14-17 alkanes that undergo controlled sulfonation, a reaction that attaches a sulfonic acid group to the hydrocarbon backbone. The acid is then reacted with triethanolamine, a pH-adjusting amino alcohol, to create the final salt. The result is a surfactant that dissolves readily in water and plays nicely with other ingredients in modern personal-care formulas.
Thanks to its cleansing power and ability to stabilize foam, Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate appears in everyday rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers. It is also used in bubble baths, liquid hand soaps and exfoliating scrubs where a rich lather and even texture matter. Because it can act as a hydrotrope, you may spot it in fragrance-rich shower gels or multipurpose bath concentrates where keeping oils dispersed is key.
Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
When formulators add Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate to a product, they rely on several useful traits:
- Cleansing: Its surfactant nature loosens dirt, sweat and excess sebum so they rinse away easily, leaving skin or hair feeling fresh without a tight after-feel
- Foam Boosting: Enhances and stabilizes lather, giving users that satisfying cushion of bubbles that helps spread the product evenly
- Hydrotrope: Improves the solubility of oils, fragrances and pigments in water-based formulas, which keeps the product clear, uniform and free from separation
Who Can Use Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate
This surfactant suits most skin types, especially normal, combination and oily skin that benefit from a thorough yet gentle cleanse. People with very dry or highly sensitive skin can usually tolerate it at the low to moderate levels found in rinse-off products, though they may prefer formulas that pair it with extra moisturizers to offset any possible stripping effect.
The ingredient is synthesized from mineral or plant-derived hydrocarbons with no animal inputs, so it is considered appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. As always, cruelty-free status depends on the finished brand’s animal testing policies rather than on the raw material itself.
No data link Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate to reproductive harm, and its large molecular size limits absorption through intact skin. Products containing it are generally viewed as low risk for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, but this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should review their personal care routine with a qualified doctor to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no special timing restrictions for outdoor use. It is also color-safe for dyed hair and compatible with most other common skincare and haircare actives.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate can differ. The points below list potential side effects that could occur even though they are not the norm and most users experience none when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Temporary skin dryness or tightness after rinsing
- Mild redness or stinging on very sensitive or broken skin
- Eye irritation if the foam gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis manifested as itch or small rash
If any of these reactions develop while using a product that contains Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate, stop use immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 (non-comedogenic)
Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate is a water-soluble surfactant that stays on the skin or scalp for a short time before being rinsed away, so it has virtually no chance to settle in pores or mix with sebum. Its molecular structure is not oily or waxy and it does not leave a residue that could block follicles, which is why formulators regard it as non-comedogenic.
Because of this, it is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Clogging risk stays extremely low as long as the product is thoroughly rinsed, though any leave-on item containing heavy oils alongside this surfactant could still pose a separate congestion risk.
Summary
Tea C14-17 Alkyl Sec Sulfonate acts as a cleanser, foam booster and hydrotrope. It lifts away dirt and oil by surrounding grime with its surfactant head, stabilizes rich bubbles for a pleasant lather and helps keep fragrance oils or pigments evenly dispersed so formulas stay clear and smooth.
While not a household name like sodium laureth sulfate, it appears in a steady stream of shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers that aim for a gentler profile, giving it a quiet but solid spot in the personal care market.
Safety studies and long usage history point to a low irritation and allergy risk at the concentrations used in rinse-off products. Still, everyone’s skin is different, so it is wise to patch test any new product containing this ingredient to confirm personal tolerance.