Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (CAS 68585-34-2), chemically identified as sodium C10-16 alkyl ethoxy sulfate, is an anionic surfactant functioning as the primary detergency and foaming agent in liquid detergent formulation and personal care products. This ethoxylated paste, widely technically referred to as SLES 70% or sodium laureth sulfate, serves to lower surface tension and solubilize oils in high-volume applications such as dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and shampoos. We provide bulk supply of this industrial raw material with competitive factory pricing to ensure stable production costs for daily chemical plants. Our manufacturing process strictly controls 1,4-dioxane levels, making MSDS, TDS, COA available alongside customized specifications to suit specific viscosity response requirements. For high-active anionic detergent acid neutralization routes, LABSA 96% is a related surfactant raw material to compare by active matter, color and neutralization system.
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate CAS 68585-34-2
- CAS: 68585-34-2
- Synonyms: SLES, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Alkyl Ether Sulfate, AES, Sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate
- Einecs: 500-223-8
- Molecular Formula: C12H25O(CH2CH2O)nSO3Na
- Grade: SLES 70%, Industrial / Cosmetic Grade
- Package: 170 kg / 200 kg / 220 kg HDPE drums 1,000–1,100 kg IBC totes Bulk ISO tank available on request
Product Description
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) is a high-active anionic surfactant widely used in household detergents, personal care products and industrial cleaners for its excellent foaming, wetting and emulsifying performance. It is milder than traditional LABSA while still providing strong detergency, making it suitable for cost-effective, high-foam formulations in both consumer and industrial markets.
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Physicochemical Properties
| Parameter | Typical Value / Range* |
|---|---|
| Active matter content (as SLES) | 70 ± 2 % |
| Unsulfated matter | ≤ 2.0–3.5 % (on 100% active basis) |
| Sodium sulfate (Na₂SO₄) | ≤ 1.0–1.5 % |
| pH (1–2% aq. solution, 25 °C) | 7.0 – 9.5 (near neutral) |
| Appearance at 25 °C | White to light yellow viscous paste / flowable gel |
| Solubility | Easily soluble in water; forms clear to slightly opalescent sol. |
| Density (25 °C) | Approx. 1.05 – 1.10 g/cm³ (70% active solution, typical) |
| Viscosity (25 °C, 70%) | Medium to high viscosity, pumpable paste (exact value per COA) |
| Freezing / cloud point | Around 10–15 °C (may gel at low temperature, reversible) |
| Stability | Stable under normal storage; hygroscopic |
*The above data are typical factory values for SLES 70% and can be adjusted slightly between different production batches according to customer specifications.
Product Introduction
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES 70%) is produced by ethoxylation of natural or synthetic fatty alcohol (mainly C12-C14), followed by sulfation and neutralization with sodium hydroxide. The presence of 2–3 moles of ethylene oxide (EO) makes SLES milder and more soluble than straight-chain alkylbenzene sulfonates, while still ensuring high detergency and foam.
Key advantages for formulators:
- Excellent foaming and wetting – rich, stable foam even in hard water systems
- Good skin mildness compared with LABSA-only systems
- High active content (70%) – flexible to dilute into different products
- Good compatibility with other anionic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants
- Cost-effective choice for mass-market detergents and personal care products
This grade is suitable for household, personal care and institutional & industrial (I&I) formulations where consistent quality and competitive cost are critical.
Applications
1. Household Detergents
- Liquid laundry detergents & gel detergents – main anionic surfactant providing detergency and foam
- Dishwashing liquids – strong grease-cutting with rich foam, often combined with LABSA and betaines
- Multi-purpose cleaners & floor cleaners – improves wetting and soil removal on hard surfaces
Benefits for your formulations:
- High foam height and foam stability
- Good performance in both soft and moderately hard water
- Can reduce total LABSA dosage, helping to lower irritation and phosphate usage
2. Personal Care & Cosmetic Products
- Shampoos and hair cleansers
- Body wash, shower gel and liquid soaps
- Facial cleansers and hand wash
In personal care, SLES is often combined with cocamidopropyl betaine and other mild co-surfactants to balance foam, skin feel and viscosity.
3. Industrial & Institutional Cleaners
- Vehicle wash and car-care detergents
- Textile and leather wetting & scouring agents
- Industrial degreasers and workshop cleaners
For I&I applications, SLES offers strong wetting and emulsification of oily and particulate soils, while maintaining good rinsability.
For related anionic surfactant raw materials used in detergent systems, see Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate and LABSA 96%.
Storage Conditions
- Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
- Recommended storage temperature: 5–35 °C. Avoid prolonged exposure below 5 °C (product may gel) or above 40 °C (possible quality change).
- Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to prevent contamination and moisture uptake.
- Protect from direct sunlight, heat sources and strong oxidizing agents.
- Under proper storage conditions, typical shelf life is 12 months from production date; please refer to the COA for the exact guarantee period.
Safety Precautions
- SLES is classified as an irritant to eyes and, at high concentrations or long contact time, may cause irritation to skin and respiratory tract.
- Avoid direct contact with eyes and skin. Wear suitable gloves, protective goggles and protective clothing when handling concentrated product.
- In case of eye contact: rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
- In case of skin contact: wash with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing.
- Ensure good ventilation in the working area; avoid inhalation of aerosol or mists.
- Do not discharge concentrated product directly into surface water or soil; follow local regulations for wastewater and waste disposal.
- For full details, refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied with the product.
FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain
-
Q:
What is Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) CAS 68585-34-2?
A: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, CAS 68585-34-2, is an ethoxylated anionic surfactant commonly called SLES or Sodium Laureth Sulfate. It is made by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol and then sulfating and neutralizing the intermediate, which gives good foaming, wetting and solubility in water. -
Q:
How is SLES different from SLS?
A: SLES contains ethylene oxide units, which makes it milder and more water-soluble than non-ethoxylated Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It is preferred in many personal care and household formulations when lower irritation and better salt-thickening behavior are needed. -
Q:
What is SLES used for?
A: SLES is used as a high-foaming primary anionic surfactant in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, hand soaps, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents and industrial cleaners. It is especially suitable for clear liquid formulations requiring strong cleaning and stable foam. -
Q:
How does electrolyte addition affect viscosity?
A: SLES solutions typically thicken when electrolytes such as sodium chloride are added, allowing formulators to adjust viscosity. Salt response depends on active content, ethoxylation level and the other surfactants present. -
Q:
What specifications should be checked before ordering?
A: For SLES 70%, confirm active matter, pH, color, unsulfated matter, 1,4-dioxane where applicable, sulfate or chloride, viscosity and preservative status. State whether cosmetic or industrial grade is required so the supplier can match the specification. -
Q:
How should SLES be stored and handled?
A: Store in tightly closed, compatible containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers and temperature extremes. Use liquid-chemical handling controls and suitable PPE, and follow the safety information.
Ordering & Documentation
Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.
Documents
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Quotation
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Sample & Supply
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Storage & Shipping
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