Replacing SLES with Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate (Clarify-Wash™) in Shampoo
Question
I am planning to replace SLES with Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate (Clarify-Wash™) in my shampoo formula to make it sulfate-free. However, I've heard it might not be as mild as SLES and has high cleansing power. Could you clarify the properties of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate and provide guidance on its mildness and how to formulate it correctly, especially regarding pH adjustment, to make it suitable for shampoo?
Answer
Replacing SLES with Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate (Clarify-Wash™)
Regarding your interest in replacing SLES with Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, such as Clarify-Wash™ Liquid, and your concern about its mildness compared to SLES, here are the facts and our perspective:
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate is indeed a high-efficiency anionic surfactant known for its excellent cleansing and lathering properties. It is often used in clarifying shampoos and body washes where strong cleaning is desired.
While it provides strong cleansing, it is generally considered gentler than traditional sulfate surfactants like SLES. However, like many surfactants, it can cause irritation if used at high concentrations or in formulas with an inappropriate pH.
Key considerations for using Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate:
- Cleansing Power: It offers comparable cleansing power to SLES, making it effective for removing oils and residues.
- Mildness: Although gentler than SLES, the final mildness of the product depends heavily on the overall formulation, especially the pH.
- pH Adjustment: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate typically has a high pH (around 8-9). It is crucial to adjust the final formula's pH down to the skin/hair friendly range of 5-6. This step significantly improves the mildness of the product.
- Formulation: Combining Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate with amphoteric or non-ionic co-surfactants can also help to reduce potential irritation and improve the overall feel.
MySkinRecipes' Opinion:
Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate (like Clarify-Wash™) is an excellent sulfate-free alternative to SLES when strong cleansing is needed. It allows you to achieve effective cleaning and good lather without using sulfates. The key to ensuring it is mild enough for your shampoo is careful formulation, particularly by adjusting the final pH of your product to the 5-6 range. If formulated correctly, it can be a suitable and effective replacement for SLES in a sulfate-free shampoo.
Therefore, the concern that it is not mild at all compared to SLES isn't entirely accurate. It is generally gentler than SLES, but its perceived harshness often comes from using it at high concentrations or failing to adjust the formula's pH correctly. With proper formulation, it can be a great option.
