CAS#: 25155-30-0
CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) numbers are unique identifiers assigned to every chemical substance, ensuring accurate identification across the industry.
What is it?
Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (often abbreviated as SDBS) is an anionic surfactant widely used in cleaning products for its exceptional ability to remove dirt and grease. This synthetic surfactant is one of the most effective and widely studied cleaning agents in the detergent industry, with a long history of safe use in household products.
What does it do?
Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate functions as a primary surfactant by dramatically lowering the surface tension of water. This allows the detergent to penetrate deep into fabric fibers and surround dirt, oil, and stain particles, lifting them away from the fabric surface and suspending them in the wash water. The result is effective cleaning across a wide range of soils and stains, from everyday dirt to stubborn grease and oil-based stains. SDBS is particularly valued for its consistent performance in both hard and soft water conditions.
How is it made?
Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate is produced through a multi-step chemical synthesis. First, dodecylbenzene (a hydrocarbon) is sulfonated using sulfur trioxide, creating dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid. This acid is then neutralized with sodium hydroxide to produce the sodium salt form — sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate. Modern manufacturing processes have been optimized to produce biodegradable linear (straight-chain) versions of this ingredient, rather than older branched-chain versions that persisted in the environment.
Safety & Certifications
Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate meets the stringent safety standards required for EPA Safer Choice certification:
- EPA Safer Choice Approved: Pre-approved ingredient meeting EPA's criteria for human health and environmental safety
- Biodegradable: Modern linear forms break down readily in wastewater treatment systems
- Extensively Studied: One of the most thoroughly researched surfactants, with decades of safe use data
- Effective at Low Concentrations: Requires smaller amounts compared to many alternative surfactants
- EWG Verified: Meets Environmental Working Group's strictest standards for health and transparency
All Heritage Park detergents containing this ingredient are both EPA Safer Choice Certified and EWG VERIFIED®, providing independent, third-party validation of safety.
What product is this ingredient in?
All-Purpose Detergents:
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Fragrance-Free
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Shore Breeze
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Lavender Mist
- Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent - Spring Magnolia
Silk & Wool Detergents:
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Fragrance-Free
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Lavender Mist
- Heritage Park Silk & Wool Detergent - Spring Magnolia
Specialty Detergents:
* Not yet EPA Safer Choice Certified or EWG VERIFIED