BASF
manufacturer
Ingredient Profile
High-foaming anionic surfactant for cleansing, detergency, wetting, and foam generation in aqueous systems.
INCI Name: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
CAS Number: 9004-82-4
IUPAC Name: Sodium 2-(2-dodecyloxyethoxy)ethyl sulfate
EC Number: N/A
Molecular Formula: N/A
Ionic Type: Anionic
Chemical Family: N/A
Abbreviations: SLES
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a high-foaming anionic surfactant used in personal care, home care, and HI&I cleaning formulations.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is an ethoxylated anionic surfactant commonly supplied as an aqueous paste or solution at different active matter levels. It is widely used where strong detergency, foam generation, and good water solubility are required. Typical use depends on product category, active matter, co-surfactant system, electrolyte level, target mildness, and local regulatory requirements.
Commercial grades vary by active matter, ethoxylation level, salt content, viscosity, and preservative package. Always normalize dosage to active matter when comparing suppliers.
Typical Use Level: Commonly used around 3-20% active surfactant in finished rinse-off personal care and cleaning systems depending on product type and performance targets.
Solubility: Fully miscible in water
pH Range: 6.5 - 9.5
Functional Role: Primary anionic surfactant for cleansing, detergency, wetting, foam generation, and emulsification support.
| Property | Value | Unit | Source / Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear to slightly hazy viscous liquid or paste | N/A | Typical commercial grade range; supplier dependent |
| Active Matter | 27 - 70 | % | Common supplied active matter range |
| pH | 6.5 - 9.5 | N/A | As supplied; supplier dependent |
| Density | 1.02 - 1.1 | g/cm3 | Typical at 25 C; supplier dependent |
| Solubility Water | Fully water soluble | N/A | Typical aqueous surfactant behavior |
| Ionic Character | Anionic | N/A | Surfactant class |
| Viscosity | Supplier dependent | N/A | Varies strongly by active matter and salt content |
| Sodium Sulfate |
Amphoteric Surfactants
status: compatible | Often paired with CAPB or related amphoteric surfactants for foam and viscosity response
Nonionic Surfactants
status: compatible | Commonly compatible in mixed surfactant cleaning systems
High Salt Systems
status: limited | Viscosity and clarity depend on salt curve and active matter
Strong Acids
status: avoid | Avoid strongly acidic processing unless supplier data supports the system
manufacturer
manufacturer
Review and verify the supplier SDS/TDS before handling, scale-up, or commercial use. Concentrated SLES can be irritating to eyes and skin; use appropriate PPE and follow workplace handling procedures.
Use must be evaluated by market, product category, grade purity, impurities, and intended exposure. Regulatory status should be confirmed from current supplier documentation and applicable regional requirements before launch.
| Supplier dependent |
| N/A |
| Check supplier CoA/TDS |
| Unsulfated Matter | Low; supplier dependent | N/A | Check supplier CoA/TDS |
| Flash Point | Generally not classified as flammable for aqueous grades | N/A | Confirm with supplier SDS |