Supplier of SODIUM LAURYl ETHER SULFATE (SLES)

SLES

What Is Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate?

Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate (SLES) is a widely used anionic surfactant known for its powerful foaming, emulsifying, and cleansing capabilities. Chemically represented as CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)ₙOSO₃Na, SLES is derived through ethoxylation and sulfonation of lauryl alcohol. The molecular structure features a hydrophobic lauryl group and a hydrophilic sulfate-ether chain, which makes it both oil-attractive and water-soluble.

This dual nature allows Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate to effectively break down and remove grease, dirt, and impurities while maintaining a mild profile, especially when compared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

Key Properties of Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate

  • Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid

  • Solubility: Highly soluble in water

  • pH (1% Solution): Typically between 7 and 10

  • Active Content: Varies from 28% to 70% depending on application

These properties make SLES highly customizable for different formulations, especially in personal care and industrial applications.

Available Grades of Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate

Different concentrations of SLES are available to meet specific formulation needs:

  • SLES 70%: High-active version used in industrial and commercial detergents; cost-effective for shipping.

  • SLES 60%: Balanced for viscosity and foam, suitable for shampoos and bath gels.

  • SLES 28%: Low concentration for sensitive skin formulations like baby shampoos and facial cleansers.

Applications and Uses of Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate

1. Personal Care Products

  • Shampoos and Body Washes: SLES creates luxurious foam, removes oils, and leaves a clean feel.

  • Toothpastes: Used as a foaming agent, though they may irritate sensitive individuals.

  • Facial Cleansers and Liquid Soaps: Offers mildness combined with effective cleaning.

2. Household Cleaning Products

  • Dishwashing Liquids and Laundry Detergents: Efficiently breaks down grease and stains.

  • Multipurpose Cleaners: Safe and effective on a variety of household surfaces.

3. Industrial and Technical Applications

  • Textile Industry: Cleans and scours fabrics without damaging fibers.

  • Oilfield Chemicals: Enhances oil-water separation and aids in surfactant flooding.

Advantages of Using Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate

  • Strong Cleansing Ability: Removes dirt, sebum, and other impurities effectively.

  • Excellent Foaming Performance: Delivers a rich lather, improving consumer satisfaction.

  • Biodegradable: Environmentally safer compared to traditional non-ethoxylated surfactants.

  • Cost-Effective: Economical for large-scale production without compromising performance.

  • Formulation Flexibility: Available in multiple concentrations to suit various end-uses.

Production Process of Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate

The manufacturing of SLES involves two key steps:

  1. Ethoxylation: Lauryl alcohol reacts with ethylene oxide to form the ether chain (laureth).

  2. Sulfonation: This compound is then sulfated with sulfur trioxide and neutralized with sodium hydroxide to yield SLES.

This process can result in trace levels of 1,4-dioxane, a byproduct that reputable manufacturers minimize through purification steps.

Safety, Handling, and Environmental Considerations

While SLES is considered milder than SLS, it can still irritate individuals with highly sensitive skin. Manufacturers often purify SLES to reduce residual contaminants.

  • PPE: When handling concentrated SLES, use gloves and eye protection.

  • Storage: Store in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight; shelf life is approximately 12 months.

  • Environmental Profile: SLES is readily biodegradable, making it an eco-friendlier choice for formulators.

Conclusion

Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate remains one of the most versatile and effective surfactants in both consumer and industrial markets. Its ability to balance powerful cleansing with mildness makes it indispensable in everything from shampoos to heavy-duty detergents. While safety concerns such as irritation and purity are worth noting, responsible formulation and sourcing from reputable suppliers ensure that SLES continues to meet modern standards of performance, safety, and sustainability.

If you have any inquiries about Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate (SLES), feel free to contact us. Our team is ready to provide pricing, specifications, and shipping details.

TECHNICAL DATA SHEET OF Sodium Laureth Ether Sulfate

SPECIFICATION STANDARD RESULTS UNCERTAINTY IN MEASUREMENT ISIRI NO
Molecular weight(g/mol) 384 384 ± 0.2 ISIRI 5476
Free Oil Max 2.5 2.3 ± 0.15 ISIRI 6835-a
Active Matter (68-72) 70.1 ± 0.19 ISIRI 3178
Color (Hazen) Max 30 11 ± 1 ISIRI 3513-a
Sodium Sulfate Max 1.5 0.64 ± 0.03 ISIRI 3513
pH(5%(w/w)) (7-9) 7.9 ± 0.06 ISIRI 6835
1.4 Dioxane Max 50 37 ± 0.8 ISIRI 6835-a
Appearance Colorless or light yellow Light yellow – Eye Measurement
NaCI % Max 0.5 0.23 ± 0.02 ISIRI 6835
Oxidants (ppm) 0 0 ± 0.5 ISIRI 6835
Fe(ppm) Max 20 ˂7 – ISIRI 6835
Formaldehyde (ppm) Max 250 0 – ISIRI 6835
Heavy Metals (ppm) Max 20 ˂1 – ISIRI 6835
Chemical Formula R-CH₃-(CH₂)ₙ-(OCH₂CH₂)ₘ-OSO₃-Na    n=11-13                       m=2

CAS N:68585-34-2

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