What Is Sodium C10-16 Alketh-2 Sulfate?
Sodium C10-16 Alketh-2 Sulfate is a surfactant made from a mix of synthetic fatty alcohols that have carbon chain lengths between ten and sixteen. These alcohols are first reacted with a small amount of ethylene oxide, giving the “-2” in the name, then the blend is treated with sulfur trioxide and finally neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form the sodium salt. The result is a water-soluble powder or paste that easily mixes into cosmetic formulas.
The ingredient was introduced in the mid-1900s when chemists looked for cleansers that could create rich foam yet feel gentler than early soap bars. Because it combines cleansing power with a soft after-feel it quickly found a place in rinse-off goods. Today you will spot it in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, bubble baths, liquid hand soaps, baby washes, makeup removers and exfoliating scrubs. Its reliable performance and moderate cost keep it popular with formulators.
Sodium C10-16 Alketh-2 Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In personal care products this ingredient is valued for two key actions
- Cleansing: It lowers the surface tension of water so oil, dirt and sweat can lift away from skin or hair. This gives products the power to leave you feeling clean without harsh rubbing.
- Foam boosting: It helps create a stable, creamy lather that spreads easily and rinses off without residue. A good foam also lets users judge how much product to use which can cut down on waste.
Who Can Use Sodium C10-16 Alketh-2 Sulfate
This surfactant suits most skin types, especially normal, oily and combination skin, because it removes excess oil without leaving a heavy film. People with very dry or easily irritated skin may find it a bit too cleansing, which can lead to tightness or flaking if the formula is not balanced with enough moisturizers.
The ingredient is fully synthetic and does not come from animal sources, so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly.
Current data show no special concerns for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse off products. It is not known to penetrate deeply or build up in the body. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should show the product to a doctor before using it, just to be safe.
Sodium C10-16 Alketh-2 Sulfate is not linked to photosensitivity and does not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Sodium C10-16 Alketh-2 Sulfate vary from person to person. The points below list possible side effects though most users will not notice any problems when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Dryness or tightness, especially on very dry skin
- Redness or mild stinging on sensitive or compromised skin
- Temporary eye irritation if the cleanser gets into the eyes
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis with itching or rash
- Slight fading of color treated hair if used in high amounts or left on too long
If you notice any of the above issues stop using the product and seek advice from a medical professional or pharmacist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Sodium C10-16 Alketh-2 Sulfate is highly water soluble and rinses away easily so it does not linger on skin or sit inside pores. Its molecule is quite large compared with typical pore-clogging oils and waxes which further lowers any chance of building up inside follicles. Because it is used in rinse-off formulas the contact time is short, again reducing the risk of clogging. For these reasons it earns a low comedogenic score of 1.
People who are prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products containing this surfactant without worrying about it worsening congestion.
Very sensitive or over-cleansed skin may react with surface irritation which can indirectly aggravate blemishes so formula balance and overall routine still matter.
Summary
Sodium C10-16 Alketh-2 Sulfate is a synthetic surfactant that lifts oil dirt and sweat by lowering water’s surface tension while whipping up a stable creamy foam that users enjoy. Those two abilities make it a workhorse in shampoos body washes facial cleansers hand soaps and bubble baths.
Its dependable performance and reasonable cost keep it popular with formulators especially in everyday mass-market cleansers though some premium or ultra-gentle brands choose milder alternatives.
Safety reviews show it is non-toxic and does not accumulate in the body when used in rinse-off products. Most people tolerate it well but anyone trying a new product should still patch test first to check for personal sensitivity.