What is SLES?

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), an accepted contraction of sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is an anionic detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste. SLES is an affordable and very effective foaming agent. SLES, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS), and sodium pareth sulfate are surfactants used in many cosmetic products for their cleansing and emulsifying properties. It is obtained from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. It is a water-soluble substance that has the same boiling point as water. It is also soluble in methyl and ethyl alcohol.

Its chemical formula is CH3 (CH2)11(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na. Sometimes the number represented by n is indicated in the name, for example laureth-2 sulfate. The product is heterogeneous in the number of ethoxyl groups; where n is the mean. Laureth-3 sulfate is common in commercial products. It is commercially sold in 30% and 70% concentrations. The concentration ratio to be obtained is determined depending on the need in line with the usage area.

Like many other detergents, SLES is an irritant. SLES has been observed to cause eye or skin irritation in animal and human experiments.

How is SLES produced?

SLES is prepared by ethoxylation of dodecyl alcohol, which is produced industrially from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. The resulting ethoxylate is converted into a semi-ester of sulfuric acid, which is neutralized by conversion to its sodium salt. The corresponding surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate or SDS) is produced similarly but without the ethoxylation step. SLS and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) are widely used alternatives to SLES in consumer products.

What is the SLES view like?

The fluid is yellowish in color and has a pasty structure.

What is the molecular formula of SLES?

Molecular Formula: CH3 (CH2)11(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na

In which sectors is SLES used?

Cleaning industry
Personal Care and Cleaning Products
Oil Industry
leather processing industry
textile sector

What are the usage areas (processes) of SLES?

SLES is used in toothpastes.
It is used in cleaning materials, hand washing and machine dishwashing detergents.
Thanks to its foaming effect, it is used in soaps, shampoos, bath and shower gels with its feature of reducing surface abrasiveness.
SLES is used as a lubricant chemical in the oil production industry.
It is used in the leather industry for its lubricating properties.
It is used in the dyeing and printing stages in the textile industry.
SLES is used in the manufacture of skin care creams.
It is used in areas where tunnel boring machines are used due to its lubricant and foaming properties.
It is used in carpet washing shampoos.