Potassium lauryl sulfate

Potassium lauryl sulfate (CAS 4706-78-9), also known as potassium dodecyl sulfate, is an anionic surfactant used across personal care, textile, and industrial cleaning applications. It delivers reliable foaming, emulsification, and detergency across a broad range of formulation types.

In personal care, it functions as the primary or co-surfactant in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers where a potassium-based salt is preferred over sodium alternatives for specific texture or solubility profiles.

Textile processors use it as a wetting and scouring agent to remove oils, sizing agents, and contaminants from fiber and fabric prior to dyeing or finishing. This ensures high-quality results during the manufacturing process.

In leather processing, it supports degreasing and preparation steps where consistent emulsification of natural fats is required. This helps maintain the integrity and quality of the leather throughout the treatment stages.

Paper and pulp operations employ it as a dispersing agent to control fiber distribution and improve sheet formation. This application is critical for achieving uniform thickness and strength in various paper products.

Potassium lauryl sulfate is supplied as a powder or as an aqueous solution, with active content typically ranging from 30% to 95% depending on the grade. This flexibility allows for use in diverse industrial settings.

Technical and cosmetic grades are the most commonly available, with cosmetic-grade material meeting purity standards suitable for personal care formulations. These grades ensure safety and efficacy in consumer-facing products.

Packaging options generally include drums and bulk quantities to serve both formulators and industrial users. This variety in logistics supports both small-scale laboratory testing and large-scale manufacturing needs.