Alpha Olefin Sulfonate

What is it? 

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) is a gentle surfactant and cleanser derived from coconut oil or other plant oils, although it can also be synthetically produced. The most common version is Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate.

Despite the “sulfonate” part of the name, it’s not the same as sulfates like SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) or SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), which have been criticised for being too harsh or drying.

AOS is considered a safer, milder alternative to traditional sulfates. It's biodegradable, vegan-friendly, and less likely to irritate sensitive skin or strip the scalp.

What does it do?

Cleansing: It lifts dirt, oil, and build-up from the hair and skin.

Foaming: Provides a rich, luxurious lather — one of the reasons it’s popular in natural shampoos.

Emulsifying: Helps mix water with oils and other ingredients, so the formula stays smooth.

EWG’s Skin Deep Score = 1