What Is Sodium C9-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate?
Sodium C9-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate is a synthetic surfactant made from a blend of fatty alcohols that contain between nine and fifteen carbon atoms. These alcohols first go through a process called ethoxylation, where about three units of ethylene oxide are added to each alcohol molecule. The result is then treated with sulfur trioxide to add a sulfate group and finally neutralized with sodium hydroxide to create a water-soluble powder or liquid. The ingredient emerged in the mid-twentieth century when chemists sought milder yet effective cleansing agents for personal care products. Thanks to its balanced mix of oil-affinity from the fatty chain and water-affinity from the sulfate group, it became a popular choice for everyday toiletries. You will most often see it in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, liquid hand soaps, bubble baths, makeup removers and some exfoliating scrubs where it helps create rich foam and rinse away grime.
Sodium C9-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics this ingredient plays a single, straightforward role.
Cleansing: It lowers the surface tension of water which helps loosen and lift dirt, oil and product buildup from skin or hair. Its ability to create a stable, creamy lather also improves the sensory feel of a formula making washing quick and pleasant while allowing the product to rinse off without a heavy residue.
Who Can Use Sodium C9-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate
This cleansing agent works well for most normal, oily and combination skin types because it cuts through oil and rinses clean. People who have very dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin may find it a bit too stripping in daily leave-on products, although it is generally gentle enough in rinse-off formulas like shampoo and body wash.
Sodium C9-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate is made from synthetic fatty alcohols and contains no animal-derived material so it is considered suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used as intended in cosmetics. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should ask a doctor before using new personal care products just to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and it has no known impact on photosensitivity. It is also odorless and free of added fragrance so it rarely interferes with the scent profile of finished products.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Sodium C9-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate depend on individual sensitivity. The effects listed below are possible but unlikely for most users when the ingredient is used at industry-approved levels in well-formulated products.
Dryness – excessive removal of natural oils can leave skin or hair feeling tight or flaky, especially with frequent use
Temporary redness or stinging – may occur on very sensitive skin when the product is left on too long or used undiluted
Contact irritation around the eyes – if the lather gets into the eyes it can cause brief discomfort or watering
Allergic contact dermatitis – rare but possible immune reaction that shows up as itchiness, rash or swelling
Color fading in dyed hair – strong cleansing action can gradually lift some artificial pigments in color-treated hair
If any troubling reaction develops stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5
Sodium C9-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate is highly water-soluble and is designed to be rinsed off, so it does not remain on the skin long enough to clog pores. Its molecular structure is too polar to build up inside follicles, which keeps the risk of comedones very low. Because of this it is generally fine for acne-prone or breakout-prone users, provided the rest of the formula is also non-comedogenic. One point is deducted from a perfect zero simply because any strong cleanser can indirectly trigger extra oil production in some people if overused, but the ingredient itself is not pore-clogging.
Summary
Sodium C9-15 Alketh-3 Sulfate is a workhorse cleansing agent that breaks surface tension so water can lift away dirt oil and product residue. Its balance of a short ethoxylated chain with a sulfate group lets it foam richly then rinse off clean without heavy build-up. You will spot it in everyday shampoos body washes and facial cleansers although it has stiff competition from newer sulfate-free surfactants which means it is popular yet not as hyped as some alternatives.
Current safety reviews rate it as low risk at typical use levels in rinse-off products, with irritation only possible for very sensitive or over-cleansed skin. As with any new product a simple patch test is wise so you can be sure it plays nicely with your individual skin type.