What Is Dea-Cetyl Sulfate?
Dea-Cetyl Sulfate is the cosmetic name for bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium hexadecyl sulfate, a compound that pairs a fatty alcohol–derived chain with a mild amine. The fatty part usually comes from natural plant oils such as coconut or palm while the amine portion is synthesized from ethanolamine. When these two pieces react with sulfuric acid and are neutralized, the result is a salt that dissolves readily in water yet still loves oil, giving it useful surface-active properties.
Interest in this ingredient grew during the 1970s when formulators were looking for gentler alternatives to older, harsher sulfates. Its balanced molecular structure offered good cleansing with less irritation, so it found a place in shampoos and facial cleansers. Over time, its ability to blend oil and water made it just as valuable in creams and lotions, and today it appears in a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on products.
You are most likely to see Dea-Cetyl Sulfate on the label of facial cleansers, body washes, exfoliating scrubs, lightweight moisturizers, makeup removers and some hair masks where a stable, pleasant-feeling foam or a uniform lotion is needed.
Dea-Cetyl Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose this ingredient mainly for two practical reasons that directly influence product performance and user experience:
- Cleansing: The molecule lowers the surface tension of water so it can lift away dirt, excess oil and makeup. Its fatty chain anchors into oily grime while the charged sulfate head stays in water, allowing debris to rinse off easily and leaving skin or hair feeling fresh without an overly stripped sensation.
- Emulsifying: Dea-Cetyl Sulfate helps keep oil-based and water-based components mixed evenly. This prevents separation, improves texture and ensures that key actives are delivered uniformly with every use, which is especially important in fluid lotions and conditioning masks.
Who Can Use Dea-Cetyl Sulfate
This ingredient works well for most skin types, including normal, oily, combination and resistant skin. People with very dry or easily irritated skin may find frequent use a bit drying because the cleansing action can pull away natural oils faster than they are replaced. If you already struggle with eczema or barrier damage you might prefer milder surfactants or lower use levels.
Dea-Cetyl Sulfate is generally suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The fatty chain is usually sourced from plant oils such as coconut or palm and the rest of the molecule is made in a lab. A few suppliers still use animal based fatty alcohols so anyone following a strict vegan lifestyle should look for a product that carries a clear vegan label or confirmation from the brand.
No specific warnings exist for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in topical cosmetics because skin absorption is minimal. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should check with a healthcare professional before adding new products, just to be safe.
The molecule is not known to cause photosensitivity and will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It also plays well with common skincare actives such as vitamin C, niacinamide and retinol so there are no special layering rules.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Dea-Cetyl Sulfate vary from person to person. The effects listed below are possible but not likely for most users when the ingredient is formulated correctly and used as directed.
- Dryness or tightness
- Temporary redness or stinging on sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases
- Eye irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
- Increased cumulative irritation when combined with other strong cleansers
If you notice persistent discomfort or any of the effects listed above stop using the product and consult a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Dea-Cetyl Sulfate carries a long fatty chain yet the molecule is paired with a charged sulfate head that keeps it water loving. This makes it rinse off easily and prevents it from forming a heavy film that could block pores. While any fatty chain can cling a little, the overall salt structure and the fact that it is usually used at low levels mean it has very little tendency to cause clogged pores.
Suitable for most people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
Because it is almost always used in wash-off products its pore-blocking potential is even lower than the number suggests.
Summary
Dea-Cetyl Sulfate is mainly a cleanser and emulsifier. The fatty tail grabs onto oil and dirt, the charged head holds onto water and together they let grime lift away while keeping oil and water mixed smoothly in creams and lotions.
It is a solid workhorse ingredient that shows up in shampoos, face washes and some light lotions but it is not a headline-grabbing superstar. Brands pick it for steady performance, not buzz.
Safety data show it is well tolerated by most users with only mild, occasional irritation in sensitive skin. As with any new product though, a quick patch test is a smart idea.