Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Bad for Hair?

Keeping your hair and scalp clean is vital for healthy hair and it’s essential to pick products containing ingredients that won’t damage your locks. 

Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is an ingredient commonly found in sulfate-free shampoos, so you might have seen it listed on the ingredient list of your favorite shampoo.

But what is Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate, and could using it harm your locks? 

In this guide, we’ll examine what Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is, which products contain it, and the pros and cons of using this hair care ingredient on your tresses.

What Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate?

Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is an anionic surfactant often used in personal care products. It produces copious foam that can help to remove dirt and product build-up from your hair, scalp, and skin. 

It is the most common form of sodium alpha olefin sulfonates and primarily consists of sodium hydroxy alkane sulfonates and sodium alkene sulfonates. This ingredient is often derived from coconut, and created by the sulfonation of C14-16 alpha olefins.

What Is A Surfactant?

Surfactants are also known as surface-active agents. They are substances that can be added to a liquid to reduce its surface tension, which increases its spreading and wetting properties.

They’re a common ingredient in household cleaning products where they help boost a product’s cleansing ability. You’ll also find surfactants in personal care formulations such as shampoos and foaming cleansers. The foam they create helps break down dirt and grease and makes it easier to rinse away the product after use.

Why Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate in Hair Care Products?

Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is a popular ingredient in shampoo and conditioners. It makes it easier to spread the active ingredients throughout your locks and mixes well with water to help rinse the product out. 

In addition to this, you’ll also find this ingredient in other personal care formulations, especially foaming cleansers, bath foams, and shower gels. 

Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is found in many shampoos, including the following popular products: 

Pros and Cons of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

It makes sense to consider the pros and cons of sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate before reaching for a product containing this ingredient. 

Pros

• Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is a highly effective cleansing agent that emulsifies well and produces plenty of foam.
• It dissolves well in water, so it rinses out easily. This makes it an excellent ingredient for clarifying shampoos to remove product buildup. 
• High purity grade sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate is safe to use in a skin or hair care product, as it doesn’t generally cause skin or scalp sensitivity.
• It is more effective than C12-lauryl sulfate (SLS) at cleansing and removing oil from your strands.

Cons

• Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate can be irritating and drying, so it may not be suitable if you have dry hair or a dry scalp.
• Some curly girls find that products containing this ingredient can be too drying, but you can use a pre-poo or deep conditioner to prevent this problem.

Safety Precautions To Take With C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Studies by toxicology experts have shown that sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate is safe at the concentrations found in personal care products.

However, it can cause dry hair and skin, and can also have a comedogenic effect which may cause acne. If your skin is dry or sensitive, carrying out a patch test before using a product containing sodium c14-16 olefin sulfonate makes sense.

Alternatives To Consider

If you want to avoid sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, you could look for products containing sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA). This is a mild surfactant that is derived from coconut and palm oil.

SLSA creates a rich lather that will cleanse your locks without stripping the natural oils, and it also dissolves easily in water, making it easy to rinse out.

FAQS

Still looking for more info on sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate? These frequently asked questions may help!

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate a Sulfate?

Although the names are similar, Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate isn’t a sulfate and has different chemical properties. However, it has some of the same effects as a sulfate so it’s often used in sulfate-free formulations.

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Harmful?

Sodium C14-C16 olefin sulfonate has been through a thorough safety assessment process to ensure it isn’t harmful. A report in the International Journal of Toxicology states that this ingredient can be used safely in skincare, cosmetics, and rinse-off hair care products.

It is also safe for use in leave-in products in concentrations below 2%, however it could make your hair and skin dry and can also cause acne on sensitive skin. You may wish to do a patch test before using a product containing this ingredient.

This ingredient is not an ethoxylated surfactant and does not use any ethylene oxide. This means that it is non-carcinogenic.

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate Bad for Hair?

This mild surfactant shouldn’t generally damage your locks in the concentrations usually found in hair products.

However, it can make your strands dry and leave the cuticle open, which leads to brittleness and breakage. If your hair tends to be dry, it’s essential to follow up with a deep conditioning treatment after washing your locks with a clarifying shampoo containing this ingredient.

Conclusion

Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is a popular surfactant that you will often find in sulfate-free shampoo formulations and other personal care products. It helps to create lots of foam, which makes the product easier to spread and also makes it easier to rinse the dirt out of your tresses after shampooing.

Some people may notice drying effects on their skin and hair. If it affects you this way, you can avoid the problem by using a pre-poo or following your shampoo with a deep conditioning treatment. 

But generally, this is an excellent cleansing ingredient that you can use safely.