What Is Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate?
Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a salt formed by reacting dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid with triethanolamine, a plant or petroleum derived base often used to neutralize acids. The result is a water soluble compound that carries both oil loving and water loving parts, allowing it to interact with dirt and rinse away easily. It entered cosmetic formulas in the mid-20th century when chemists were looking for gentler, more stable alternatives to traditional soap. Production starts with linear alkylbenzene, which is sulfonated to create dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid. This acid is then carefully neutralized with triethanolamine under controlled temperature to yield Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, then purified and dried to a free flowing paste or flakes.
You will most often spot this ingredient in shampoos, body washes, hand soaps and facial cleansers, where it provides the rich lather consumers expect. It can also appear in bubble baths, exfoliating scrubs and some makeup removers to help these products spread easily and rinse clean.
Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators choose Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate for the following roles
- Cleansing: Its dual nature lifts oils, sweat and product buildup from skin and hair so they can be washed away with water, leaving a fresh feel without heavy residue
- Foaming: It produces a dense stable foam that improves the sensory experience, helps distribute the product evenly and gives users visual feedback that the product is working
Who Can Use Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is generally suitable for normal, oily and combination skin since it removes excess oils without feeling too heavy. Dry or very sensitive skin may find it a bit stripping if used often because its cleansing power can take away needed moisture. People with eczema, rosacea or a damaged skin barrier should look for milder surfactants or use formulas where Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is balanced with extra hydrators.
The compound is synthetic and contains no animal by products so it is considered vegan and vegetarian friendly. Its raw materials, triethanolamine and dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid, can be sourced from plants or petroleum but neither come from animals.
Current safety data show no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in rinse off products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new skincare just to stay safe.
Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate does not increase photosensitivity so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also fragrance free and non volatile so there is no inhalation concern in normal use.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate vary from person to person. The points below cover potential reactions that could occur even though most people using a well formulated product will not notice any problems.
- Skin dryness or tightness after rinsing
- Mild redness or stinging on very sensitive skin
- Eye irritation if the lather gets into the eyes
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to sulfonates or triethanolamine
If any irritation or discomfort appears stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5. Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a water soluble cleansing agent that leaves little to no residue after rinsing so it has very low potential to clog pores. It is not an oil or wax and does not stay on the skin long enough to build up inside follicles. For these reasons it is generally suitable for acne-prone skin, especially in rinse-off products. The only caveat is that over-cleansing can trigger rebound oil production in some people so moderation is key.
Summary
Tea-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate acts as a cleanser and foaming agent. Its molecular structure contains an oil-loving tail that binds to sebum and a water-loving head that allows all that grime to rinse away, producing a rich lather at the same time. This efficient dual action makes it a handy choice for shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers.
While not as famous as sodium lauryl sulfate or coco-glucoside, it still appears in many mainstream formulas because it balances strong cleansing with a softer skin feel. Current safety data show it is well tolerated in rinse-off products with only mild dryness or irritation reported in sensitive users.
Overall it is considered safe for the vast majority of people. As with any new skincare ingredient try a small patch test first to be sure your skin agrees with it.