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Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate

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Cleanser allowed in sulfate-free products

This one causes a lot of confusion. It is a sulfonate, not a sulfate, so it is allowed in products sold as sulfate-free. It cleans strongly, though, and some people find it feels about as stripping as SLES.

It passes our sulfate check, because the check is about sulfates. If you want something really gentle, look further down the list for glucosides or isethionates as the main cleanser.

Products here that list it

Questions

Is Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate a sulfate?

No.