Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 30, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate?

Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate is the sodium salt of a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols that have been reacted with sulfuric acid. These fatty alcohols originate from natural sources such as coconut or palm kernels, although synthetic versions can be produced for consistency and sustainability. The resulting compound combines a hydrophobic (oil-loving) chain with a hydrophilic (water-loving) head, making it a handy ingredient for balancing oil and water in cosmetic formulas.

The use of fatty alcohol sulfates in personal care dates back to the mid-20th century, when formulators searched for plant-based alternatives to traditional soap. Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate gained popularity for its milder cleansing profile compared with harsher sulfates. Production begins with hydrogenating natural oils to obtain cetyl and stearyl alcohols. These alcohols are then sulfated with sulfuric acid, neutralized with sodium hydroxide and purified into a fine, white powder or flakes that dissolve easily in water.

Thanks to its surface-active nature, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate shows up in a variety of products: facial cleansers, body washes, shampoos, exfoliating scrubs, cream masks, moisturizers aimed at combination skin, lightweight lotions and even some sun care formulas where a stable foam or easy rinse-off texture is desired.

Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This ingredient pulls double duty in many formulations, delivering more than one practical benefit.

  • Cleansing: Its surfactant structure lifts away dirt, excess oil and product buildup, allowing them to be rinsed off with water for a fresh, clean feel
  • Foaming: It helps create a rich, stable lather that spreads the product evenly, improves sensory appeal and makes rinsing quicker so skin and hair feel less stripped

Who Can Use Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate

Products containing Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate typically suit normal, oily and combination skin because the ingredient helps remove excess oil without feeling overly harsh. People with very dry, eczema prone or otherwise compromised skin barriers may find it too cleansing, which can lead to increased dryness or irritation. Sensitive skin users should check the overall formula for additional soothing agents before committing to daily use.

The fatty alcohols used to create Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate are sourced from plants or produced synthetically, so the ingredient is considered suitable for both vegans and vegetarians. No animal derived materials are required during standard manufacturing.

Available safety data show no specific concerns for pregnant or breastfeeding women using products that contain Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate. This is informational content, not medical advice, and anyone who is expecting or nursing should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.

Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so it is not regarded as a photosensitizer. As long as the formula is balanced with moisturizers and pH adjusted correctly most users can incorporate it day or night without special precautions beyond standard sunscreen use.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Reactions to topical Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate differ from person to person. The following list covers potential side effects that could appear, though they are uncommon when the ingredient is used correctly in a well formulated product.

  • Dryness or tight feeling after rinsing
  • Transient redness or stinging on sensitive skin
  • Mild eye irritation if product is not kept away from eyes
  • Contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific sulfate sensitivity
  • Fading of fresh hair color when used in high concentrations in shampoo

If any of these effects occur discontinue use and consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for guidance.

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5

Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate sits at the low end of the comedogenic scale because it is a wash-off surfactant that does not linger on skin long enough to block pores. Its molecular structure is designed to bind oil and dirt then rinse cleanly with water, leaving little residue that could encourage comedones.

Suitable for most acne-prone users, though individuals extremely sensitive to any sulfates may still prefer to avoid it.

Worth noting: the overall formula matters. Heavy occlusive oils or waxes paired with Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate could raise the clogging potential even if the surfactant itself is low risk.

Summary

Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate works primarily as a cleanser and foaming agent. The fatty alcohol tail grabs oil and grime while the sulfate head binds to water, allowing debris to lift away when you rinse. This dual nature also builds a satisfying lather that helps spread product evenly and speeds up rinse-off.

It is fairly common in mainstream shampoos, face washes and lightweight lotions because it offers a milder alternative to harsher sulfates without driving up cost. Still, many brands aiming for ultra-gentle or sulfate-free claims replace it with newer surfactants, so its popularity is steady rather than booming.

Current research and decades of consumer use show Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate to be safe at typical cosmetic levels with low risk of irritation for most skin types. As with any new product, patch testing on a small area first is a smart way to make sure your skin agrees with the complete formula.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Get the latest beauty news, top product recommendations & brand-exclusive discount codes direct to your inbox.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Search