Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
Harsh sulfate Not CG-friendly
A strong anionic cleanser that lets brands label a shampoo 'sulfate-free' while cleaning about as hard as a sulfate. Fine for clarifying, drying for frequent use on coily hair.
Curly Girl note: Technically a sulfonate, not a sulfate, but its cleansing strength is comparable — many 'sulfate-free' shampoos use it, so CG lists treat it as harsh.
How our checker rates it
| Mode | Rating | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Curly Girl | Avoid | Harsh sulfate — strips natural oils. Not allowed in the Curly Girl Method. |
| Relaxed hair | Caution | Strong cleanser — good for clarifying or as a neutralizing shampoo after a relaxer, too stripping for every wash. |
| Low porosity | OK | No concerns for this mode. |
| Protein-sensitive | OK | No concerns for this mode. |
Ratings assume it is listed near the top of the label. After the first preservative or fragrance (likely 1% or less) most cautions soften.
What harsh sulfate ingredients do
Strong detergents that lift oil and product build-up very effectively — and also strip the natural oils that dry, coily hair needs.
Also listed as
- sodium c14 16 olefin sulfonate
- sodium c14-16 olefin sulphonate
- alpha olefin sulfonate
- sodium alpha olefin sulfonate
Similar ingredients
Sources
Last data update:
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR). Ingredient safety assessments. Safety assessments for cosmetic ingredients cited on ingredient pages.
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