Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – Versatile Anionic Surfactant for Personal Care and Household Products

Basic Information

• CAS Number: 68585-34-2 (common; also referenced as 9004-82-4)

• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₅(OCH₂CH₂)ₙOSO₃Na

• Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid or paste

• Odor: Slight, soapy

• Density: ~1.0–1.1 g/cm³ (at 20°C)

• Solubility: Highly soluble in water; miscible with other surfactants

• Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers at 5–30°C, protected from light and moisture

Overview
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant obtained by the sulfation of ethoxylated fatty alcohols. It is one of the most widely used surfactants in personal care and household cleaning products due to its excellent foaming, emulsifying, and detergency properties. Compared to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), SLES has a milder effect on skin and is less irritating, making it a preferred choice for shampoos, body washes, liquid soaps, and dishwashing liquids. It is effective even in hard water and compatible with a wide range of other surfactants and ingredients.

Applications

• Personal care products: Shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, liquid hand soaps, and foam baths.

• Household cleaning: Dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and all-purpose cleaners.

• Industrial: Emulsifiers, wetting agents, and foam boosters in various technical formulations.

• Agriculture: Used as an emulsifier in pesticide formulations.

Key Benefits

• Excellent foaming and cleansing power.

• Milder and less irritating than SLS.

• Effective in hard water.

• Good solubility and compatibility with other surfactants.

• Cost-effective and widely available.

• Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions.

Safety and Handling

• May cause mild skin and eye irritation at high concentrations; use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves, safety goggles) when handling.

• Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and acids.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.

• Shelf life: typically 24 months under recommended storage conditions.

Quality Assurance
Each batch is tested for active content, pH, and foam performance to ensure consistent quality.