Sodium lauryl ether sulphate has excellent decontamination, emulsification and foaming properties and is easily dissolved in water. As well as conducive to hard water resistance and high biodegradation.

Applications of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate

SLES’s amphiphilic structure enables effective soil removal and foam stabilization, versatile across consumer and industrial uses:

• Personal Care Products: Primary surfactant in shampoos, conditioners, and shower gels, delivering rich lather and mild cleansing for daily hair and skin routines.
• Household Cleaners: Enhances foaming in dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and hard-surface cleaners, improving grease emulsification and rinseability.
• Industrial Formulations: Used in industrial degreasers, textile processing aids, and fire-fighting foams for superior wetting and penetration.
• Cosmetic Emulsions: Stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in lotions and creams, providing a smooth texture and enhanced active ingredient delivery.
• Agricultural Sprays: Acts as a wetting agent in pesticides and fertilizers, ensuring uniform coverage on plant surfaces.
• Sustainable Innovations: Biodegradable (>90% in 28 days) alternative in eco-labeled products, supporting phosphate-free and palm oil-reduced formulations.

Annual global production exceeds 3 million tons, reflecting its indispensable role in the $500 billion personal care market.

Why Choose Aozun Chem’s Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate?

• Mild and Pure: Exceeds ISO 16128 natural index standards, with <1% free sulfate for reduced eye/skin irritation in sensitive formulas.
• Formulation Flexibility: High cloud point (>95°C) and salt tolerance for concentrated, cost-effective blends.
• Global Reliability: Streamlined supply to Asia, Europe, and North America, with MOQs from 1 MT and just-in-time delivery.
• Technical Expertise: Customized ethoxylation levels (n=1-4) and stability testing to optimize your product’s sensory profile.
• Sustainability Commitment: RSPO-certified palm kernel sourcing, compliant with REACH and Safer Choice for greener supply chains.

Elevate your surfactant systems with Aozun Chem’s SLES—precision-crafted for foaming excellence and consumer satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), and how does it differ from sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)?

Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) is an ethoxylated version of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), where 2-3 ethylene oxide units soften its profile for milder irritation (eye score <20 vs. SLS >50). SLES retains strong cleansing but excels in foaming shampoos, while SLS suits bar soaps for higher detergency.

How is sodium lauryl ether sulfate produced?

It is manufactured by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm kernel oil) with ethylene oxide, followed by sulfation using sulfur trioxide and neutralization with sodium hydroxide. This yields a 70% active paste with controlled viscosity, emphasizing low residual ethylene oxide (<1 ppm) for safety.

What safety considerations apply to handling SLES?

SLES is non-toxic (LD50 >2,000 mg/kg oral in rats) but can irritate eyes/skin in concentrated form; dilute before use and wear PPE. It is biodegradable and non-carcinogenic, but avoid inhalation of mists. Store at 5-40°C in vented containers to prevent pressure buildup from microbial activity.

Is sodium lauryl ether sulfate suitable for baby or sensitive skin products?

Yes, with 2-3 moles ethoxylation, it meets CIR safety assessments for rinse-off products at <20% concentration, offering gentle cleansing comparable to non-sulfates but with better foam. Patch testing is recommended for ultra-sensitive formulations.

What is the shelf life and storage recommendation for SLES?

It remains stable for 24 months when stored in cool (<35°C), dry conditions in HDPE or stainless steel drums to avoid hydrolysis. Maintain pH 7-9 and inspect for color changes; preservatives like sodium benzoate extend usability in diluted forms.

Can SLES be used in eco-friendly or natural cosmetic formulations?

Absolutely—RSPO mass balance grades support sustainable claims, and its rapid biodegradability aligns with EU Ecolabel criteria. Pair with plant-derived thickeners for 100% bio-based shampoos, reducing aquatic toxicity by 50% versus non-ethoxylated sulfates.

How does SLES compare to other surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine in formulations?

SLES provides primary cleansing and foam (70% contribution in shampoos), while betaine acts as a co-surfactant for mildness and viscosity building. Blends (SLES 10-15% + betaine 2-5%) yield synergistic mildness, with SLES dominating 80% of liquid detergent markets for cost and performance.

Explore our formulation guides or request a sample to perfect your SLES-based products.

Contact Us

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