Last verified: 17 days ago
Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
Also known as: sodium cetyl/stearyl sulfate, alkyl sulfate surfactant, cetearyl sulfate sodium salt
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
A cosmetic surfactant used in creams and shampoos. Not a supplement. Can cause allergic skin reactions.
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What it does
Sodium cetearyl sulfate is a synthetic surfactant — a soap-like chemical — made from a mixture of cetyl and stearyl sulfate salts. It is used as an emulsifier and cleansing agent in cosmetic...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose (insufficient research data)
What the Science Says
Sodium cetearyl sulfate is a synthetic surfactant — a soap-like chemical — made from a mixture of cetyl and stearyl sulfate salts. It is used as an emulsifier and cleansing agent in cosmetic products like lotions, shampoos, and creams, typically at concentrations between 0.1% and 29%. Regulatory safety reviews have concluded it is safe for cosmetic use at these concentrations, but it has no established role as an oral dietary supplement.
What It Doesn't Do
Not a supplement — it has no proven health benefit when consumed. Won't improve skin from the inside out. No evidence it supports gut health, immunity, or any other wellness claim. It's a manufacturing ingredient, not a nutrient.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Considered safe for use in cosmetic products like soaps and shampoos at concentrations up to 29%.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 0.1%–29% in topical formulations
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Can cause allergic contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established threshold
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no oral bioavailability data exists from the provided studies. It is a topical excipient, not designed for ingestion.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Documented cause of allergic contact dermatitis — skin reactions are a real risk
- In vitro cell studies show it can disrupt cell membranes and impair mitochondrial function at low concentrations
- Presence in 1,000+ registered supplement products is likely as an inactive excipient or coating agent, not an active ingredient — but labeling may be unclear
- No clinical trials exist supporting any health benefit from this ingredient
- Incompatibility with other cosmetic/pharmaceutical ingredients (e.g., avobenzone) raises formulation safety questions
Products Containing Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
See how Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate do?
A cosmetic surfactant used in creams and shampoos. Not a supplement. Can cause allergic skin reactions.
What is the effective dose of Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate?
No established dose (insufficient research data)
Is Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate safe?
Documented cause of allergic contact dermatitis — skin reactions are a real risk
What doesn't Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate do?
Not a supplement — it has no proven health benefit when consumed.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25