Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

About This Product

Sodium laureth sulfate, or SLES, is produced by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol before sulphation, inserting a short chain of ethylene oxide units between the twelve-carbon tail and the sulfate head. It carries the INCI name Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and grades are identified by the average number of those units, most commonly 2EO or 3EO. It is supplied as a clear to slightly hazy solution at 28 or 70 percent active matter.

Adding the ethoxylate chain changes the molecule in three ways that matter in formulation. It lifts the sulfate head away from the skin surface and increases the size of the micelle, which measurably reduces protein denaturation and makes SLES noticeably milder than SLS on the same use level. It adds hydrophilic character, so the surfactant tolerates hard water without precipitating and stays clear at low temperature. And it makes the system strongly responsive to electrolyte, which is why adding sodium chloride to an SLES base thickens it dramatically, the standard way shampoos and body washes are given body without a polymer. One process point requires control: ethoxylation can generate trace 1,4-dioxane, so grades are stripped and specified against destination-market limits.

It is used in shampoos, body washes, bubble baths, facial and hand cleansers, dishwashing liquids and household cleaners.

Bio Green Oleo supplies SLES 2EO and 3EO to specification on active matter, ethoxylation degree, unsulphated matter, sodium sulfate, 1,4-dioxane, pH and colour.