Ingredient dictionary

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

Also listed as: Alpha Olefin Sulfonate, AOS

Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is a cleansing agent, called a surfactant, made from long-chain hydrocarbons. Its main job is to lift oil and dirt and create foam. It is on the label of 24 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: although it is a sulfonate rather than a sulfate, our code groups it with strong sulfate cleansers because it also cleans hard, so dry, curly, color-treated hair and sensitive skin often feel better with gentler options.

Sulfates. Sulfates clean hard. Dry, curly, color-treated hair and sensitive skin often feel better with gentler cleansers.

What Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate does

Lifts oil and dirt from skin and hair
Creates a rich, bubbly lather
Helps oil and water mix for rinsing

This ingredient starts from alpha olefins, which are long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms. The chain length is shown in the name: C14-16 means chains of 14 to 16 carbon atoms. The chains are treated with a sulfur compound and then neutralized with sodium, which gives a water-soluble salt.

Formulators like it because it makes a rich, bubbly foam and cleans oil well. It works across many kinds of formulas, and it is often blended with other cleansers to adjust the feel. Expect a slick, lively lather that rinses clear. Like most strong cleansers, it can feel drying if used too often.

Good for

Suits oily hair and skin, or anyone who likes a strong, foamy wash that feels squeaky clean.

Be careful if

Although it is a sulfonate rather than a sulfate, our code groups it with strong sulfate cleansers because it also cleans hard, so dry, curly, color-treated hair and sensitive skin often feel better with gentler options.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate a sulfate?

No. It is a sulfonate, a related but separate group. Our code groups it with sulfates because it also cleans strongly and foams well, a similar job to sulfate cleansers.

Is it good for sensitive skin?

Many people with sensitive skin do well with gentle formulas, but this cleanser type can feel stronger than gentler options. If your skin stings, feels tight, or looks red after washing, try a milder cleanser.