What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate CAS 68585-34-2?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or SLES, is an ethoxylated anionic surfactant made from fatty alcohol ethoxylates. CAS 68585-34-2 identifies the surfactant type, while commercial products are further defined by active matter and ethoxylation degree.

What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate used for?

SLES is used as a high-foaming cleansing agent and emulsifier in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, hand soaps, dishwashing liquids and industrial cleaners. It provides detergency, wetting and viscosity building in aqueous formulations.

Why is the active matter and EO level important?

SLES is commonly supplied as a 70% paste or 28% liquid, but active matter and ethoxylation degree affect foam, viscosity, mildness and formulation behavior. The correct grade should be selected for the target personal-care or detergent product.

How is Sodium Laureth Sulfate different from sodium lauryl sulfate?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate contains ethoxy groups between the fatty alkyl chain and sulfate group, while sodium lauryl sulfate is the non-ethoxylated sulfate. This ethoxylation generally makes SLES milder and more soluble in hard water.

How should Sodium Laureth Sulfate be stored and handled?

Store SLES in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from strong oxidizers and acids. Use appropriate liquid-chemical handling controls, containment and personal protective equipment during transfer and processing.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate CAS 68585-34-2

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (CAS 68585-34-2), widely abbreviated in the industry as SLES, is an anionic surfactant and detergent derived from ethoxylated fatty alcohols, utilized primarily in the manufacturing of personal care products and liquid detergents. This Sodium lauryl ether sulfate paste functions as a high-performance foaming agent and emulsifier, offering superior solubility and milder skin compatibility compared to non-ethoxylated sulfates. As a versatile AES component, it serves as the primary surface-active ingredient in shampoos, body washes, and dishwashing liquids, providing essential viscosity building and cleaning efficacy in aqueous systems. Cocamide DEA (CDEA) 6501 is a related foam and viscosity modifier for compatible detergent formulations. We provide this surfactant raw material with competitive factory pricing to support daily chemical manufacturing and ensure bulk supply availability for continuous production lines. Our facility accommodates customized specifications for concentration (typically 70% paste or 28% liquid) and dioxane control, while every shipment is fully documented with MSDS, TDS, COA files to meet safety and quality standards.

CAS: 68585-34-2
Synonyms: SLES, Sodium lauryl ether sulfate, AES, Sodium alkylethersulfate, Sodium polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate
Einecs: 500-223-8
Grade: Cosmetic Raw Materials
Package: 170 kg HDPE drum / 1000 kg IBC / flexitank, or as required

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Product Description

Sodium laureth sulfate is a high-performance anionic surfactant widely used for its strong detergency, fast foaming, and excellent emulsification. It dissolves quickly in water, works well in hard-water systems, and shows good biodegradability, making it a core raw material for personal care and household/industrial cleaning formulations. For bulk supply, technical datasheets, and pricing, please contact 📧 Email: info@industrochem.com

1 Physicochemical Properties (Typical for SLES 70%)

2 Applications

3 Storage Conditions

4 Safety Precautions

Physicochemical Properties (Typical for SLES 70%)

Property	Typical Value / Range
Appearance (25 °C)	Colorless to pale yellow viscous paste/gel
Odor	Mild, no abnormal odor
Active matter (%)	70 ± 2
Unsulfated matter (%)	≤ 3.5
Sodium sulfate, as Na₂SO₄ (%)	≤ 1.5
pH (1% aqueous solution, 25 °C)	6.5 – 9.5
Color (Hazen, 5% AM)	≤ 20 (typical ≤ 10)
1,4-Dioxane (ppm)	≤ 30
Density (20 °C)	1.05 – 1.10 g/cm³
Solubility	Easily soluble in water; forms clear or slightly opalescent solutions
Ionic character	Anionic surfactant
Foaming / detergency	High foam, strong cleaning, good emulsification & wetting

Applications

SLES is used where high foam, fast soil removal, and good compatibility are needed:

Personal Care

Shampoos, body wash, facial cleansers
Hand soap, bubble bath, shaving products
Toothpaste and mild cleansing formulations

Home Care & Detergents

Dishwashing liquids, laundry liquids/powders
Multi-purpose cleaners, kitchen/bathroom cleaners
Carpet and fabric cleaning agents

Industrial / Institutional

Degreasers and light-duty industrial cleaners
Textile wetting and scouring, dyeing auxiliaries
Emulsification systems for polymer or chemical processing

For related amphoteric and nonionic surfactant raw materials used in cleansing systems, see Cocamidopropyl Betaine Powder and Alkyl Polyglucosides.

Storage Conditions

Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated warehouse.
Keep containers tightly sealed and protected from moisture.
Recommended storage temperature: 10–35 °C.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
Under proper storage, shelf life is typically 12–18 months.

Safety Precautions

Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure; may cause irritation at high concentration.
Use standard PPE: gloves, goggles, protective clothing during handling.
Prevent aerosol/mist inhalation in enclosed areas.
In case of eye contact, rinse with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice.
Spills: absorb with inert material; wash area with water.
Handle according to local chemical safety regulations and SDS.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate CAS 68585-34-2?

A: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, or SLES, is an ethoxylated anionic surfactant made from fatty alcohol ethoxylates. CAS 68585-34-2 identifies the surfactant type, while commercial products are further defined by active matter and ethoxylation degree.
Q:
What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate used for?

A: SLES is used as a high-foaming cleansing agent and emulsifier in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, hand soaps, dishwashing liquids and industrial cleaners. It provides detergency, wetting and viscosity building in aqueous formulations.
Q:
Why is the active matter and EO level important?

A: SLES is commonly supplied as a 70% paste or 28% liquid, but active matter and ethoxylation degree affect foam, viscosity, mildness and formulation behavior. The correct grade should be selected for the target personal-care or detergent product.
Q:
How is Sodium Laureth Sulfate different from sodium lauryl sulfate?

A: Sodium Laureth Sulfate contains ethoxy groups between the fatty alkyl chain and sulfate group, while sodium lauryl sulfate is the non-ethoxylated sulfate. This ethoxylation generally makes SLES milder and more soluble in hard water.
Q:
How should Sodium Laureth Sulfate be stored and handled?

A: Store SLES in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area away from strong oxidizers and acids. Use appropriate liquid-chemical handling controls, containment and personal protective equipment during transfer and processing.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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