Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Foaming Surfactant
A high-foaming surfactant for cleaning products.
TECHNICAL DATA
INCI Sodium laureth sulfate.
No. CAS 68585-34-2
Classification Anionic surfactant
Appearance Liquid
Solubility In water
Color 50 max. cite_start
Odor Characteristic
Non-sulfated alcohols 1 % max.
Sodium chloride 0.5 % max.
% active matter 28–30 % minimum
Formula C 12 H 25 (OCH 2 CH 2) 2 OSO 3 Na
FUNCTION
DetergentSurfactantDevelops foaming power even at low temperaturesCompatible with anionic surfactants and hard water
APPLICATIONS
ShampooLiquid soapBody washesCleansersPersonal care shampoo formulationsLiquid cleansersGeneral cleaning products
DESCRIPTION
Anionic surfactant
A detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products. This product develops its full foaming power even at low temperatures. Compatible with other anionic surfactants and with hard water.
Practical formulation guide
Usage level: 15–30 %
How to use and incorporate: Add the surfactant to the water (not the water onto the surfactant) with slow stirring to avoid excess foam. If solid or paste, melt or dissolve first in warm water. Adjust the pH at the end (5–6.5 for facial and hair products) and the viscosity with salt (sodium chloride 0.5–2 %) or a thickener.
Formulation tips:
- Combining a primary surfactant with a secondary one (betaine, glucoside, amphoteric) improves mildness, foam and viscosity.
- Anionic and cationic surfactants may be incompatible; check clarity and stability when combining them.
- Before scaling up, make a pilot batch and run a stability test (cycles at 4 / 25 / 45 °C/39 / 77 / 113 °F for 4 weeks, checking odor, color, pH, viscosity and separation) in the final packaging.
Compatibility: Compatible with other anionic, amphoteric and nonionic surfactants, conditioning polymers and most extracts and fragrances.
Storage: In tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Precautions: Irritating to the eyes in concentrated form: wear safety glasses and gloves. Do not ingest. See the Safety Data Sheet.
Technical information for formulators: This sheet describes industrial uses of the raw material in the development of cosmetic products. It is not an efficacy claim for any finished product. The person responsible for the formulation must validate the concentration, compatibility and claims of their product in accordance with applicable regulations.
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