What Is Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate?
Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is the calcium salt of dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, a compound that belongs to a group of ingredients called surfactants. Surfactants lower the surface tension of water, allowing oils and dirt to lift away more easily. Commercial production usually starts with petroleum‐derived alkylbenzene, which is sulfonated to form dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid. This acid is then neutralized with calcium hydroxide, yielding the calcium salt. The ingredient gained popularity in household cleaning products during the mid-20th century, and its strong ability to disperse and remove grime soon made it attractive for personal care formulations as well.
Today you will commonly find calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate in rinse-off cosmetics such as facial washes, body cleansers, bubble baths and shampoos. It may also appear in scrub masks and specialty cleansing sticks where a robust yet cost-effective surfactant is needed to create foam and improve rinseability.
Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In beauty products this ingredient serves one primary purpose.
Cleansing: As a surfactant it helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be washed away, giving formulas the rich lather and deep-clean feel many users expect from modern cleansers.
Who Can Use Calcium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
This surfactant works best for normal, oily and combination skin that can handle a deep cleanse. People with very dry or easily irritated skin may find it too stripping because it can remove natural oils along with dirt. If you already struggle with flakiness or tightness you might prefer a gentler cleanser.
Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is manufactured from petroleum-derived raw materials and does not rely on animal sources so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Always check the full ingredient list though since other components in a finished formula may not share the same status.
In rinse-off products the ingredient has low absorption through the skin. Available safety data show no special hazards for pregnant or breastfeeding women but this is not medical advice. Anyone who is expecting or nursing should discuss any skincare routine with a qualified health professional just to be safe.
The compound is not known to make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it does not interfere with SPF performance in leave-on products applied afterward.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate differ from person to person. The effects listed below are possible yet uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly and at appropriate levels in cosmetic formulas.
- Dryness or tightness in areas where natural oils have been removed
- Redness, itching or mild burning especially on sensitive or compromised skin
- Contact dermatitis in rare cases of individual allergy to sulfonate surfactants
- Stinging or watering of the eyes if the cleanser accidentally gets into them
- Increased irritation when combined with other strong exfoliants or high alcohol content
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a water‐soluble surfactant that does not leave an oily or waxy residue on the skin. Because it gets rinsed away almost completely during cleansing there is minimal chance of it blocking pores. Its rating is not zero only because any strong cleanser can, in theory, disturb the skin barrier and trigger rebound oil production in very reactive individuals. Overall the ingredient is considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin.
The rating applies to rinse-off formulas. Leave-on products containing high amounts of the ingredient could be more drying but they are extremely uncommon.
Summary
Calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is mainly a cleanser. As a surfactant it lowers water’s surface tension so oils grime and makeup detach more easily then wash down the drain, which also helps formulas create satisfying foam and rinse clean.
Its use in personal care is moderate: popular in cost-effective face and body washes yet less common in premium lines that favor milder or naturally derived surfactants.
Safety data show low toxicity low skin absorption and no specific health red flags when used at typical levels in rinse-off products. Still every skin is different so do a small patch test when trying any new product containing this ingredient just to be safe.