Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate is a mild anionic surfactant derived from plant-based sources, known for its cleansing and foaming properties. It is used in cosmetic and personal care products for its ability to remove impurities and oils from the skin and hair while maintaining a gentle profile suitable for sensitive skin

Chemical Composition and Structure
Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate is the sodium salt of methyl 2-sulfolauric acid, a molecule with a long fatty acid chain (C12) and a sulfonic group. The added methyl group enhances its mildness and skin compatibility, making it suitable for low-irritation formulations.

Physical Properties
It appears as a white powder or granules, water-soluble, with moderate foaming ability. It produces a soft, creamy foam, making it ideal for gentle and high-quality cleansing products.

Production Process
Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate is produced through a chemical reaction involving lauric acid, a methylating agent, and a sulfonating agent. The final product is neutralized with sodium to form the sodium salt, ensuring stability and compatibility in formulations.

Applications

• Medical: Used in cleansers for sensitive skin or dermatological conditions requiring gentle cleansing.

• Cosmetics: Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate is widely used in shampoos, facial cleansers, body washes, and liquid soaps due to its effective yet gentle cleansing action.

INCI Functions

Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum. 

Foaming.  Its function is to introduce gas bubbles into the water for a purely aesthetic factor, which does not affect the cleaning process, but only satisfies the commercial aspect of the detergent by helping to spread the detergent. This helps in the commercial success of a cleansing formulation. Since sebum has an inhibiting action on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo. In practice, it creates many small bubbles of air or other gases within a small volume of liquid, changing the surface tension of the liquid.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities. 

• Industry: In the cosmetic industry, it is valued for its biodegradability and mild profile, making it a popular choice for eco-friendly and sustainable formulations.

Environmental and Safety Considerations
Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate is considered safe for cosmetic use and is fully biodegradable. As it is derived from plant-based sources, it has a minimal environmental impact, especially when raw materials are sustainably sourced.

Molecular Formula  C₁₃H₂₅NaO₅S

Molecular Weight  

CAS     4016-21-1    

UNII    I39GGJ23HV

EC Number  223-673-4

DTXSID40960598

Nikkaji J217.828A

Synonyms:

Sodium 1-methyl 2-sulfolaurate

Bibliografia__________________________________________________________________________

Marina Bährle-Rapp. "Sodium Methyl 2-Sulfolaurate." Springer Lexikon Kosmetik und Körperpflege (2007): 514-514.