Common Name(s): Sodium caprylyl sulfate,sodium octyl sulfate,scs,sodium c8 alkyl sulfate

CAS Number: 142-31-4

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Cleanses skin and hair while providing some protection against microbial growth.

Why It's Used: Used as a mild anionic surfactant and preservation aid; the short c8 chain gives both surfactant and inherent antimicrobial activity.

How It Works: C8 sulfate anion disrupts microbial membranes at higher concentrations; at lower concentrations functions as a foaming anionic surfactant; sodium counterion provides water solubility.

Typically Found In: Cleansers,shampoos,preservation-boosted systems,antimicrobial washes

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – surfactant

Secondary Functions: Antimicrobial,cleansing,foaming

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: C8 alcohol (caprylic/octanol) from coconut or synthetic; sulfation with h2so3/so3; sodium salt; semi-synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 2/5 – low-moderate; c8 sulfates can be mildly irritating

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: May be mildly irritating at higher concentrations due to short-chain micellization behavior; use within typical surfactant concentrations.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Conditional

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Moderate safety profile. ewg score: 2.

Works Well With: Amphoteric surfactants,nonionic surfactants,preservatives

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities at typical use concentrations

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Short-chain alkyl sulfates (c8) have higher critical micelle concentrations (cmc) and greater membrane disruptive potential than c12–c16 analogs; the c8 sulfate is among the few anionic surfactants with meaningful antimicrobial activity at practical cosmetic concentrations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-27

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,cas 142-31-4