DEA-Cetyl Sulfate
AKA “51541-51-6, Diethanolamine hexadecyl sulfate, Diethanolamine cetyl sulfate, diethanolammonium cetyl sulfate, L3T402CA2B, EINECS 257-260-5, Hexadecyl sulfate (1:1), diethanolamine salt, RefChem:585238, DEA-CETYL SULFATE [INCI]
Surfactant
Ingredient Facts
Dea-cetyl sulfate
AKA: 51541-51-6, Diethanolamine hexadecyl sulfate, Diethanolamine cetyl sulfate, Diethanolammonium cetyl sulfate, L3T402CA2B, EINECS 257-260-5, Hexadecyl sulfate (1:1), Diethanolamine salt, RefChem:585238, DEA-CETYL SULFATE [INCI]
Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium hexadecyl sulphate
Formula
C20H45NO6S
Mol. Weight
427.60
CAS #
51541-51-6
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes Impurities
Mixes Oil & Water
Traditional Use
A synthetic anionic surfactant created in the 20th century for cosmetic formulations. Designed to replace natural saponified oils while providing superior stability and cleansing performance.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUpermitted
JAPANpermitted
CANADApermitted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR