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Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS)

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 25155-30-0
  • IUPAC: Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate

Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) (CAS 25155-30-0) appears in 5 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

No chronic health classifications. At high concentrations (product-level) can cause skin and eye irritation. Standard anionic surfactant — risk is contact-based, not systemic.

Sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate is a linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) surfactant widely used in industrial and automotive cleaners. It functions as a wetting agent and emulsifier and is particularly effective in alkaline formulations where it helps dissolve and suspend proteinaceous and fatty soils.

At product concentrations (typically 1–10%), it contributes to H314 hazard classifications when the formulation pH is highly alkaline — the pH, not the surfactant alone, drives corrosivity.

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
3/5
Purpose: High-alkaline wetting and emulsification agent; effective at dislodging proteinaceous soils and insect residue at high pH

Common questions about Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS)

What is Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) used for in car care?
High-alkaline wetting and emulsification agent; effective at dislodging proteinaceous soils and insect residue at high pH
Is Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) a VOC?
No. Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) biodegradable?
Yes. Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS) has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

5 products 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.