Sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate (C14-16) on your skin: a safety profile

What is sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate (c14-16)?

The IUPAC name is sodium alkene-1-sulfonate (C14-C16 fraction).

Also known as: sodium alkene-1-sulfonate (C14-C16 fraction), AOS, sodium secondary alkane sulfonate, SAS.

IUPAC name

sodium alkene-1-sulfonate (C14-C16 fraction)

CAS number

68439-57-6

Molecular formula

C14-16H29SO3Na (mixture)

Regulatory consensus

1 regulatory bodyhas classified Sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate (C14-16).

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where you encounter sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate (c14-16)

• premium shampoo
• natural cleaners
• baby products
• dish soap

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate (C14-16):

• Decyl glucoside or other alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) — milder, plant-derived
  Trade-offs: Consumer preference for 'natural' label; many natural fragrance compounds are potent allergens (limonene, linalool, eugenol); 'natural' ≠ 'safe'; often more expensive than synthetic equivalents.
  Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
• Sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) — low irritation potential
  Trade-offs: Alternative surfactant; performance characteristics (foaming, emulsification, wetting) vary; biodegradability and aquatic toxicity should be assessed; formulation adjustment may be needed.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×
• Sodium lauroyl glutamate — amino acid-based, very mild
  Trade-offs: Extremely mild (pH 5.5-6.5); biodegradable; derived from amino acids and fatty acids; premium ingredient cost; excellent consumer perception; lower foam volume than sulfate surfactants.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×
• Cocamidopropyl betaine (amphoteric) — gentler than anionic surfactants
  Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
  Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions