Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Key Properties Applications & Safety (SEO Optimized)
Apr 27,2026
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), also known as sodium alkyl ether sulfate (AES), is a versatile anionic surfactant with the chemical formula CH₃(CH₂)₁₁(OCH₂CH₂)ₙOSO₃Na (n=1–4, typically 3). Derived from renewable palm kernel or coconut oil, it is produced via ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol, followed by sulfation and neutralization. Renowned for its balanced performance, mildness, and cost-effectiveness, SLES is a foundational ingredient in personal care, household cleaning, and industrial formulations—outperforming sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in gentleness while maintaining strong detergency and foaming.
Commercially available as a pale yellow viscous liquid (28% or 70% active concentrations) or powder, SLES boasts key properties: high water solubility, effective surface tension reduction, stable foam across pH 7.0–9.0, hard water stability, and easy thickening with sodium chloride. It is readily biodegradable in wastewater systems, minimizing environmental impact.
SLES dominates rinse-off personal care, including shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and baby care products—delivering gentle cleansing without excessive drying. In household cleaning, it powers liquid dish detergents, laundry detergents, and all-purpose cleaners, cutting grease and suspending soils effectively. Industrial applications include textile scouring, leather degreasing, and petrochemical drilling additives.
Its core advantages include mildness (lower irritation than SLS), cost-efficiency, formulation flexibility (compatible with most surfactants), and global regulatory compliance (FDA, EU SCCS approved). Purified SLES (1,4-dioxane <10 ppm) is safe for normal use, with low acute toxicity and minimal environmental risk when properly handled.
Stored in cool, sealed containers (15–30°C), SLES is packaged in HDPE drums or IBC totes for global shipping. As demand for eco-friendly, high-performance formulations grows, SLES remains the preferred surfactant for manufacturers worldwide.
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Sodium Laureth Sulfate, SLES, AES surfactant, SLES applications, SLES properties, SLES safety, SLES vs SLS, anionic surfactant, SLES personal care, SLES household cleaning, biodegradable SLES, 70% SLES, 28% SLES
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