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Sodium Laureth Sulfate

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Catalog Number CI-SC-0213
Product Name Sodium Laureth Sulfate
CAS 9004-82-4
Structure
Synonyms Sodium lauryl polyoxyethylene ether sulfate
Description Anionic surfactant manufactured by modern air-SO3 process. Good applicability in high foaming fine cleansing products. Mild to the skin in properly blended formulations, high foaming in the presence of hard water, excellent foam stabilization, ease of handling. Can be blended with various co-surfactants. Content: 58-62% actives.
IUPAC Name Sodium;2-dodecoxyethyl sulfate
Molecular Weight 332.43 g/mol
Molecular Formula C14H29NaO5S
Canonical SMILES CCCCCCCCCCCCOCCOS(=O)(=O)[O-].[Na+]
InChI InChI=1S/C14H30O5S.Na/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-18-13-14-19-20(15,16)17;/h2-14H2,1H3,(H,15,16,17);/q;+1/p-1
InChI Key ASEFUFIKYOCPIJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Solubility Water-soluble
Appearance Clear to slightly hazy yellow liquid
Application Shampoos, shower gels, face cleansers
Storage Store light-protected at a cool and dry place
HS Code 3402319000
INCI Sodium laureth sulfate
Topological Polar Surface Area 84 Ų
Uses Recommended use level 3-20%. For external use only
Product Overview

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a widely used surfactant in personal care products, known for its gentle yet effective cleansing properties. Derived from coconut, SLES serves primarily as a detergent and cleansing agent. It is the sodium salt of the ether sulfate obtained through the sulfation of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol. This versatile compound appears as a viscous pale yellow liquid that dissolves readily in water, making it ideal for formulations ranging from shampoos and shower gels to foam and bubble baths, used in concentrations of 5-40%. Its appeal lies in its cost-effectiveness and adaptability, with the degree of ethoxylation-a process of incorporating ethylene oxide into fatty alcohol-alterable to achieve a balance between mildness and foaming capacity. SLES is prized for delivering excellent foam and lather characteristics while maintaining good skin compatibility.

Custom Q&A

What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and how is it derived?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a surfactant primarily used as a detergent-cleansing agent in personal care products. It is the sodium salt of the ether sulfate obtained through the sulfation of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, typically derived from coconut. SLES is known for being a gentle and effective cleansing agent in a variety of formulations.

In what types of products is SLES commonly used?

SLES is widely incorporated into shampoos, shower gels, foam baths, bubble baths, and various cleansers. These formulations typically contain SLES in concentrations ranging from 5% to 40%, benefiting from its versatile cleansing properties and cost-effectiveness.

How does the degree of ethoxylation affect SLES's performance?

The degree of ethoxylation, which involves incorporating between one to 12 moles of ethylene oxide into a mole of fatty alcohol prior to sulfation, significantly influences SLES's properties. A higher degree of ethoxylation enhances the mildness of the surfactant but reduces its foaming and viscosity-building capabilities. Formulators must carefully balance the degree of ethoxylation to achieve the desired level of mildness and foaming ability in their products.

What are the lather and skin compatibility characteristics of SLES?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is known for providing superior flash foam and lather, making it an ideal ingredient for products requiring abundant suds. Additionally, SLES is compatible with skin, making it a popular choice for personal cleansing products that require both effective cleaning and gentle action on the skin.

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