• High foaming and good cleansing performance
• Milder than traditional sulfates (SLS/SLES)
• Biodegradable and sulfate-free
• Compatible with hard water
• Excellent viscosity-building properties

Alpha-Olefin Sulfonates (AOS) are a group of mild anionic surfactants derived from alpha-olefins and used widely in personal care cleansing formulations. They are considered sulfate-free alternatives to SLS and SLES, offering a rich, creamy foam and excellent cleansing without excessive stripping or irritation. AOS is suitable for shampoos, body washes, hand soaps, and facial cleansers, and can be paired with amphoteric surfactants like Coco Betaine to improve mildness. It is ideal for those looking to create gentle, effective, and affordable sulfate-free products.

INCI Name: Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate

CAS Number: 68439-57-6

Solubility: Water-soluble

Add Phase: Water phase (heated or cold)

pH Stability: 4.5 – 9.0

Processing Temperature: 25–70°C

Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid

Odor: Mild surfactant-like odor

Molecular Weight: ~340–360 g/mol

Flash Point: > 100°C

Density: ~1.04 g/cm³

• Usage Rate: 3% – 30%
• Add during water phase or pre-mix with other surfactants
• Ideal for: Shampoos, Face Washes, Body Washes, Liquid Hand Soaps

🧼 Combine Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate with Coco Betaine and Decyl Glucoside for a balanced, sulfate-free face or body wash. Adjust viscosity using salt or xanthan gum for natural thickening.

✔️ Suitable for oily, normal, and combination skin

⚠️ Use with extra humectants for dry or sensitive skin types

1. Sulfate-Free Shampoo

Use AOS (10%) with Coco Betaine and Polyquaternium-10 for a clear, foaming shampoo that leaves hair soft and cleansed.

2. Gentle Face Wash

Create a low-foam cleanser with AOS, glycerin, and aloe vera for effective sebum removal with minimal dryness.

3. Body Wash with Natural Oils

Formulate a moisturizing body cleanser using AOS with sweet almond oil and panthenol for gentle cleansing and hydration.

4. Liquid Hand Soap

Use AOS for a foamy, skin-friendly hand wash that rinses clean. Pair with lactic acid for a pH-balanced finish.

5. Kids' Cleanser

Mix AOS with amphoteric surfactants and chamomile extract for a mild, tear-free baby wash.

Rated by effectiveness, compatibility, and mildness in different product types.

Serums
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in leave-on water-based systems.



Creams & Lotions
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not compatible with emulsions; rinse-off only.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not suitable for leave-on formulations.



Face Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Used in rinse-off cleansing masks; not hydrating.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Ideal for face washes and gentle foaming cleansers.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Useful in scalp cleansing masks but not moisturizing.



Deodorants
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – No deodorizing function.



Eye Creams
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not for use near the eye area.



Shampoos
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – High foam, effective cleansing, sulfate-free.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Great for liquid soaps and shower gels.



Conditioners
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in conditioning bases.



Lip Balms
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not compatible with lip formulations.



Body Butters
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Incompatible with anhydrous leave-on systems.

Q1: Is AOS the same as SLS or SLES?

A1: No. AOS is sulfate-free and considered milder than traditional sulfates while still offering excellent foaming and cleansing.

Q2: Is Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate safe for daily use?

A2: Yes, especially when combined with mild co-surfactants and moisturizers. It’s safe and effective in daily rinse-off products.

Q3: Can it be used in baby or sensitive skin products?

A3: Yes, in low concentrations and combined with soothing or amphoteric surfactants for gentler performance.

Q4: What is its foam profile like?

A4: AOS creates dense, rich, and creamy foam — even in hard water conditions.

Q5: Is it biodegradable?

A5: Yes, AOS is fully biodegradable and considered eco-friendly in personal care.