BASF
manufacturer
Ingredient Profile
High-detergency anionic surfactant for cleansing, wetting, and foam generation in aqueous formulations.
INCI Name: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
CAS Number: 151-21-3
IUPAC Name: Sodium dodecyl sulfate
EC Number: 205-788-1
Molecular Formula: C12H25NaO4S
Ionic Type: Anionic
Chemical Family: N/A
Abbreviations: SLS, SDS
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a strong anionic surfactant used where high detergency, wetting, and foam generation are required.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a high-foaming anionic surfactant commonly used in cleaning and rinse-off systems. It provides strong detergency and wetting but can be more irritating than milder surfactant systems, so formulation context, concentration, co-surfactants, and finished-product exposure should be reviewed carefully.
Commercial grades may be supplied as powder, needles, or aqueous solution. Active matter, sodium sulfate content, residual alcohol, and particle form are supplier dependent.
Typical Use Level: Commonly used around 0.5-15% active surfactant depending on product type, mildness target, and co-surfactant system.
Solubility: Water soluble
pH Range: 7 - 10.5
Functional Role: Primary anionic surfactant for detergency, cleansing, wetting, and foam generation.
| Property | Value | Unit | Source / Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white solid or aqueous solution | N/A | Supplier dependent |
| Active Matter | 28 - 95 | % | Varies by grade |
| pH | 7 - 10.5 | N/A | As supplied; supplier dependent |
| Solubility Water | Water soluble | N/A | Typical behavior |
| Ionic Character | Anionic | N/A | Surfactant class |
| Foam Height | High | N/A | Application dependent |
Amphoteric Surfactants
status: compatible | Often blended to improve foam and mildness profile
Nonionic Surfactants
status: compatible | Common in mixed surfactant systems
Strong Acids
status: avoid | Avoid strongly acidic systems unless supplier data supports stability
manufacturer
manufacturer
Review and verify the supplier SDS/TDS before handling, scale-up, or commercial use. Concentrated SLS can cause eye, skin, and respiratory irritation; use suitable PPE and dust controls for dry grades.
Use must be assessed by product category, impurity profile, exposure route, and local requirements. Confirm current regulatory status from supplier documentation before market launch.