Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
Also known as: sodium cetyl sulfate, sodium stearyl sulfate, alkyl sulfate surfactant, SCS
Effective Dosage
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 sulfates. It is used in cosmetics, shampoos, and skin creams as an emulsifier and cleansing agent, helping oil and water mix together. It has no established role as a dietary supplement, and the research available focuses entirely on its safety profile in topical cosmetic products, not on any health benefit from ingestion.
What It Doesn't Do
This is not a health supplement. It has no proven benefits for gut health, immunity, energy, or any other wellness goal. It does not detoxify the body. It is not a nutrient. Finding it listed in a supplement product is a red flag — it is an industrial emulsifier, not an active ingredient.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Sodium cetearyl sulfate is a synthetic surfactant — a soap-like chemical made from a mixture of cetyl and stearyl sulfates. It is used in cosmetics, shampoos, and skin creams as an emulsifier and cleansing agent, helping oil and water mix together. It has no established role as a dietary supplement, and the research available focuses entirely on its safety profile in topical cosmetic products, not on any health benefit from ingestion.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose (insufficient research data)
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown — no oral bioavailability data exists in the provided studies. All research is focused on topical/cosmetic use.
Red Flags to Watch For
- This is a cosmetic surfactant, not a dietary supplement ingredient — its presence in an ingestible product is highly unusual and warrants scrutiny
- In vitro cell studies show it can disrupt cell membranes and impair mitochondrial function at relatively low concentrations
- At least one published case report documents allergic contact dermatitis caused by this ingredient
- Over 1,000 supplement products in the NIH DSLD database list this ingredient, despite zero clinical trials supporting any health benefit
- Safety assessments are based on topical cosmetic use only — no safety data exists for oral consumption
Products Containing Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate
See how Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate is used in these analyzed products:
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: 2026-04-09