What Is Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate?
Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate is a surfactant made by reacting medium-chain fatty alcohols sourced from coconut or palm oil with sulfuric acid, then neutralizing the mixture with triethanolamine. The result is a salt that dissolves easily in water and lowers surface tension, letting oil and water mix more freely.
Commercial use began in the mid-20th century when formulators looked for milder, plant-derived alternatives to traditional soaps. As sulfate chemistry advanced, this particular blend of carbon chain lengths (C10 to C15) was found to balance gentle cleansing with rich foam, which quickly made it popular in personal care.
The ingredient is produced in large stainless-steel reactors where the fatty alcohols are first sulfated, producing an acid form. Triethanolamine is then added in a controlled process to reach the right pH and create a stable liquid or paste. Quality checks confirm purity, active content and low levels of free amine before it is shipped to manufacturers.
You can spot Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate in facial cleansers, body washes, bubble baths, shampoos, exfoliating scrubs and some makeup removers. It is rarely found in leave-on products like moisturizers because its primary job is in rinse-off formulas where quick, effective cleansing is needed.
Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Below are the main ways this ingredient improves a cosmetic formula.
- Foaming: Creates a dense, stable lather that spreads the product evenly across skin or hair, giving users the sensory cue that the cleanser is working and helping lift away dirt
- Cleansing: Acts as a surfactant that surrounds oil, makeup and debris so they can be rinsed off with water, leaving the surface feeling fresh and clean without heavy residue
Who Can Use Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate
This surfactant suits normal, combination and oily skin types that benefit from a stronger cleanse. People with very dry or highly sensitive skin might find it a little stripping because it removes oil efficiently, so gentler cleansers may serve them better.
The ingredient is synthesized from plant based fatty alcohols and does not involve animal derived material, making it appropriate for vegans and vegetarians.
No specific warnings have been issued for pregnant or breastfeeding women when Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate is used in rinse off products. Still, this text is not medical advice so anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any skincare routine with a healthcare professional first.
It is not known to make skin more reactive to sunlight and does not interfere with sunscreens or other daytime products.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate vary because everyone’s skin is different. The points below describe potential issues yet most users will not experience them when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Dryness or tightness if the product is left on the skin too long or is used too frequently
- Redness or mild stinging on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Eye irritation if the cleanser accidentally gets into the eyes
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual sensitivity to sulfates or triethanolamine
- Fading of freshly applied hair dye when used in shampoos on color treated hair
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek guidance from a medical professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. It is a highly water-soluble surfactant that is designed to be rinsed away, so it does not linger on the skin or form oily films that block pores. Any tiny residue it leaves behind is quickly diluted by the skin’s own moisture, which keeps the risk of clogging minimal. Because of this low score the ingredient is generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Since most formulas containing this surfactant are wash-off cleansers, the contact time with skin is short, further reducing any chance of pore congestion.
Summary
Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate is valued for two main jobs in cosmetics: foaming and cleansing. By lowering the surface tension of water it lets oils and dirt lift away easily while creating a rich lather that spreads the product and gives a satisfying clean feel. This balance of good foam with moderate mildness has kept it popular in facial washes, body gels and shampoos for decades, though newer sulfate-free options now share shelf space with it.
When used in rinse-off products at industry standard levels it is considered safe for the vast majority of users with only occasional reports of dryness or irritation on very sensitive skin. As with any new skincare item, patch testing a product that includes Tea-C10-15 Alkyl Sulfate is a smart step before adding it to a full routine.