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Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 85586-07-8
  • IUPAC: Sulfuric acid, mono-C12-14-alkyl esters, sodium salts

Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate (CAS 85586-07-8) appears in 1 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Skin and eye irritant at concentrated levels (H318 Serious Eye Damage at concentrate-grade purity). At typical working-solution dilutions in car shampoo, classification thresholds are substantially reduced.

Sodium C12-14 alkyl sulfate (CAS 85586-07-8) is a fatty alcohol sulfate — the non-ethoxylated anionic surfactant closely related to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). At the bulk-density powder grade (≥400 g/L), it is classified as Serious Eye Damage (H318) at concentrate strength. This is the primary surfactant in several European car care formulations including Koch-Chemie Gentle Snow Foam.

At working-solution dilutions typical for car shampoo (1:10 to 1:200), concentrations drop well below H318 classification thresholds. The ingredient is readily biodegradable in aerobic wastewater conditions. Aquatic toxicity at the substance level (similar LC50 profile to SLS) is mitigated by the high dilution in final rinse water.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
yes
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Primary anionic surfactant — foaming and cleaning agent

Common questions about Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate

What is Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate used for in car care?
Primary anionic surfactant — foaming and cleaning agent
Is Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate a VOC?
No. Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate biodegradable?
Yes. Sodium C12-14 Alkyl Sulfate has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.