The sodium salt of a mixture of cetyl and stearyl sulphates, which is used as a surfactant and cleansing agent in cosmetics, is called sodium cetearyl sulphate. It belongs to the group of substances known as alkyl sulphates. It is a white to faintly yellow powder.
Origin
It is possible to make sodium cetearyl sulphate by sulfating cetearyl alcohol with chlorosulfonic acid, sulphur trioxide, or sulfamic acid, then neutralizing the acid ester with sodium hydroxide.
Safety profile
The safety of Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. After reviewing the available research, the CIR Expert Panel came to the conclusion that these compounds were safe to use as ingredients in cosmetics.
Studies on the acute oral toxicity of sodium cetearyl sulphate revealed no toxicity. Undiluted sodium cetearyl sulphate causes a mild irritation of the eyes. Sodium cetearyl sulphate in aqueous form (20%) did not irritate the skin or eyes. Additionally, it was discovered that Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate causes less skin irritability than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
Sodium cetearyl sulfate, sodium myristyl sulfate, and sodiumoleyl sulfate are listed in the Japanese Cosmetic Ingredient Codex (JCIC), The Comprehensive Licensing Standards of Cos-metics by Category (JCLS), and Japanese Standards of Quasi-Drug Ingredients (JSQI). It is not included in the list of sub-stances that may not be used in cosmetic products marketed in countries of the European Union.