What Is Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate?
Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate is a surfactant made by reacting fatty alcohols that have 12 to 15 carbon atoms with sulfuric acid, then neutralizing the mixture with triethanolamine. The fatty alcohols usually come from plant oils such as coconut or palm while triethanolamine is produced from ammonia and ethylene oxide. This pairing gives the ingredient a water-loving head and an oil-loving tail so it can mix oil, dirt and water with ease.
The cosmetic world started turning to this material in the 1970s when formulators wanted a milder alternative to the older sodium lauryl sulfate. By swapping the sodium for triethanolamine and using a blend of chain lengths they were able to cut down irritation and improve foam quality. The ingredient is made in large stainless-steel reactors where the fatty alcohols are first sulfated then carefully neutralized and purified to remove excess acids and salts.
Thanks to its strong yet gentle cleansing power it shows up in a wide range of rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes, bubble baths, facial cleansers and hand soaps. It is also used in scrubs, exfoliating masks and some makeup brush cleaners for the same reason: rich foam and quick soil removal without a tight squeaky feel.
Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This ingredient earns its place in formulas by making them clean better and feel nicer during use
- Cleansing: Lifts oils, sweat and product buildup from skin and hair so they rinse away with water, leaving a fresh comfortable finish
- Foaming: Creates a dense creamy lather that spreads the product evenly and gives users a sensory cue that the product is working
Who Can Use Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate
Most skin and scalp types, including normal, oily and combination, can tolerate Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate in rinse-off products. People with very dry, eczema-prone or highly sensitive skin might find it a bit stripping if the formula is not balanced with enough conditioners or moisturizers, so they may prefer gentler cleansers or lower use levels.
The ingredient is typically sourced from coconut or palm oil and the neutralizing agent is fully synthetic, meaning the final material is suitable for vegans and vegetarians provided the manufacturer confirms plant-based sourcing.
Current safety data show no special hazards for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used in rinse-off cosmetics. Absorption through intact skin is extremely low. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should still clear new personal care products with a healthcare professional to be safe.
Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there are no known interactions with common topical medications or actives. As with any surfactant, leaving it on the skin for prolonged periods can increase dryness, so it is best used in products designed to be rinsed away.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate vary between individuals. The following points cover potential side effects yet they are uncommon when the ingredient is formulated and used as intended.
- Dryness or tightness of skin after rinsing
- Mild transient stinging if the cleanser gets into the eyes
- Redness or irritation on very sensitive or compromised skin
- Rare cases of allergic contact dermatitis presenting as itching or rash
- Slight fading of color in freshly dyed hair when used in high concentrations
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate is highly water soluble and does not leave an oily or waxy film on skin so it has very little tendency to clog pores. Any residue that might remain after rinsing is quickly lifted by water in the next cleanse or shower. Because it is not an emollient and contains no heavy esters or butters, the risk of forming comedones is minimal. It is therefore generally suitable for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
One thing to keep in mind is that over-cleansing with this or any surfactant can leave skin tight which may prompt reactive oiliness. Using a balanced formula with hydrating ingredients helps keep skin calm.
Summary
Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate is chiefly valued for two jobs: it cleans and it foams. Its dual-natured molecule grabs onto oil and dirt while staying friendly with water, allowing grime to lift away the moment you rinse. At the same time it whips up a rich lather that spreads product evenly and gives that satisfying freshly washed feel.
The ingredient enjoyed a surge of popularity when brands were looking for gentler options than classic sodium lauryl sulfate. While newer sulfate-free surfactants have since entered the spotlight, this workhorse still appears in many mainstream shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers because it strikes a handy balance between cost, mildness and performance.
Current safety assessments classify Tea-C12-15 Alkyl Sulfate as safe for use in rinse-off cosmetics at typical concentrations. Irritation or allergy is rare though possible, so it is always smart to patch test a new product first and see how your skin responds.