Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is an anionic surfactant often found in bath, shower, and hair care cleansers. It is a mixture of long chain sulfonate salts prepared by sulfonation of C14-16 alpha olefins. It is derived from coconut and produces a copious foam. The name may be misleading, but sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is not a sulfate. Sulfonate is related to but not the same as sulfates. In a sulfonate the sulfur is linked directly to a carbon atom whereas a sulfate is linked directly to the carbon chain via an oxygen atom. They do have similar qualities when it comes to propensity of being irritating to the skin but sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate is not a sulfate. It works tremendously well. A rather strong cleansing agent with the ability for high foaming and a well-emulsifying surfactant. It is safe for use in personal care products that mixes well with water to remove dirt, oils, and pollutants so they can be rinsed away. This is an excellent addition to clarifying shampoos and to be used in bath-bombs.
For Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) Powder / Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, typical cosmetic usage levels are:
Facial cleansers: 1–5%
Body washes / shower gels: 5–15%
Shampoos: 5–20%
Hand washes: 5–15%
Solid cleansing bars / syndet bars: 10–40% (depending on the formula)
Typical active matter: AOS powder is often around 90% active surfactant (check your supplier specification).
Formulation notes:
Use warm water to help dissolve/disperse the powder.
Avoid adding directly to very acidic systems.
It has strong cleansing and foaming properties, so it is usually balanced with milder surfactants (such as betaines) to reduce irritation.
Final usage depends on the desired viscosity, foam, mildness, and total surfactant active level.
For a mild shampoo or body wash, many formulators start around 8–12% AOS powder and adjust based on performance.
This information is intended as general guidance. Always refer to the supplier's official SDS for the specific product and grade being used.
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