Sodium lauryl sulfate

Sodium lauryl sulfate (CAS 151-21-3), commonly abbreviated as SLS and designated E487, is an anionic surfactant used across personal care, food, and industrial manufacturing. It delivers reliable foaming, emulsification, and detergency across a broad range of formulated products. In personal care, SLS is the primary foaming and cleansing agent in toothpastes and shampoos.

It is also used in body washes, where consistent lather and soil removal are formulation requirements. Food-grade applications include use as an emulsifier and whipping aid in egg-white products. It is used in marshmallow confections under the E487 designation. Textile and leather processors use it as a wetting and scouring agent to improve dye penetration and remove surface contaminants.

In industrial cleaning and printing, it functions as a dispersant and degreaser in press-wash compounds and hard-surface cleaners. SLS is supplied as a white to off-white powder or needle. Flake, liquid, and paste forms are also available for specific processing requirements. Standard grades include USP, BP, Ph. Eur., and FCC for pharmaceutical and food applications.

Technical grade is also available for industrial use. Concentration in liquid or paste form typically ranges from 28% to 35% active content, ensuring high performance in diverse chemical formulations.