Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate Not rated Cleansing Agent No known benefits Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate at a glance Cleansing agent that removes dirt, oil, and other debris from skin and/or hair Also offers emulsifying properties (reducing the tension of oil and water) Can enhance foaming properties of a formula Products containing this ingredient should be formulated to minimize the potential for irritation Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate description Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) serves as a synthetic surfactant in skin care and personal care products, playing a crucial role as a cleansing agent by effectively removing dirt, oil, and debris from the skin and/or hair. Additionally, it offers emulsifying properties, helping to reduce the tension between oil and water, and can enhance the foaming properties of the formula. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has studied the irritancy potential of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate and established that its effect heavily depends on concentration and pH levels. Consequently, despite its overall recognition as a safe cosmetic ingredient, products containing this ingredient should be carefully formulated to minimize the risk of irritation. In its raw material state, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate can manifest as a yellow paste or off-white dry powder, flakes, or beads. As a side note, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate finds use beyond personal care products. It is also employed in the agricultural industry for fruit cleaning and can be found in dishwashing soaps and laundry detergents. It’s also used in the construction industry in concrete mixes. While some concerns over environmental pollution have been raised regarding these uses, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) stated, as of July 2023, that the environmental fate of sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate “is not likely to be of concern.” Related ingredients: Surfactant