Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate
Sulfate-Free Surfactant
High-foaming surfactant, an alternative to SLES.
TECHNICAL DATA
INCI Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
No. CAS 68439-57-6
Shampoo 5 – 20%
Body wash / liquid soap 4 – 15%
Facial cleansers 2–5 % (blended with milder surfactants)
Appearance Powder/granules
Odor Characteristic, mild.
Solubility Highly soluble in water. pH (10 % solution): 6.5–8.5
Active content 30–40 % (standard liquid grade).
Biodegradability High (meets rapid biodegradability standards).
FUNCTION
SurfactantCleansing agentFoaming agent (widely used in shampoosand body washes). Removes greaseSkin dirtHair. A milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)Dirt. Applications:Efficiently removes sebumFatHairCreates creamy,abundant foamHighly valued in shampoosGelsHelps disperse oils in waterMakes it easier to incorporate fragrancesand oils into aqueous formulas
APPLICATIONS
ShampooLiquid soapBody washes
DESCRIPTION
NATURALS
Technical data sheet
Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate
An anionic surfactant derived from sulfonated alpha olefins, supplied as powder/granules, with excellent cleansing power and abundant foam.
Practical formulation guide
Usage level: Recommended usage level: GARDENIA NATURALS
How to use and incorporate: Add the surfactant to the water (not the water onto the surfactant) with slow stirring to avoid excess foam. If solid or paste, melt or dissolve first in warm water. Adjust the pH at the end (5–6.5 for facial and hair products) and the viscosity with salt (sodium chloride 0.5–2 %) or a thickener.
Formulation tips:
- Combining a primary surfactant with a secondary one (betaine, glucoside, amphoteric) improves mildness, foam and viscosity.
- Anionic and cationic surfactants may be incompatible; check clarity and stability when combining them.
- Before scaling up, make a pilot batch and run a stability test (cycles at 4 / 25 / 45 °C/39 / 77 / 113 °F for 4 weeks, checking odor, color, pH, viscosity and separation) in the final packaging.
Compatibility: Incompatibilities: Compatible with betaines, glucosides and amphoteric surfactants (which improve mildness). May be irritating at high concentrations if not combined with conditioners or emollients. Incompatible with strong cations (may precipitate).
Storage: Keep in original, tightly closed containers, preferably plastic drums or metal drums with anti-corrosion lining. Store in a cool place, ideally at 15–30 °C/59–86 °F. Avoid extreme temperatures (below 5 °C/41 °F it may thicken or solidify; above 40 °C/104 °F it may oxidize or degrade). Store in well-ventilated, dry areas protected from direct sunlight. Do not store near strong oxidizers, strong acids or cationic salts. Stable under normal conditions; gentle stirring is recommended after prolonged standing, as it may settle. Shelf life: Generally 12–24 months under optimal conditions
Precautions: For rinse-off cosmetics only. Avoid high concentrations in products for sensitive skin. Not recommended for leave-on products. Handling Use personal protective equipment (PPE): lab coat, gloves, face mask, safety glasses.
Technical information for formulators: This sheet describes industrial uses of the raw material in the development of cosmetic products. It is not an efficacy claim for any finished product. The person responsible for the formulation must validate the concentration, compatibility and claims of their product in accordance with applicable regulations.
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