Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES)

Description

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is an ethoxylated derivative of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), produced by the reaction of n-dodecyl alcohol with ethylene oxide. The ethoxylated product is then converted to the half-ester of sulfuric acid and neutralized with sodium hydroxide. SLES has good solubility in water, high resistance to hard water, and is rapidly and completely biodegradable. It is typically derived from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. In the cosmetics and personal care industry, SLES is known as a milder and better alternative to SLS. While SLS has good cleaning power, it can cause skin irritation, has low water solubility, and limited thickening ability. SLES eliminates these drawbacks by producing stable foam, causing minimal skin irritation, and not stripping the skin of its natural moisture. These properties have made SLES highly popular in the global market.

Applications

• Personal care and hygiene products: shampoo, shower gel, facial cleansers, dishwashing liquid, hand wash
• Oil, printing, and leather industries: as a lubricant, detergent, foaming agent, degreaser, and dyeing agent
• Cosmetic products: toothpaste, shaving cream, mouthwash, and sunscreens

Safety Notes

Both SLES and SLS have a good safety record and have been used for years in hygiene products. However, prolonged skin contact with concentrated forms may cause irritation. Therefore, in product formulations, usage levels are adjusted to maintain cleaning effectiveness while minimizing skin irritation. For more information on safety and handling, please refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).