Sodium pareth sulfate

Sodium pareth sulfate (CAS 68585-34-2), commonly known as SLES, is an ethoxylated anionic surfactant derived from fatty alcohol sulfation. Also marketed as sodium lauryl ether sulfate.

Where is Sodium pareth sulfate used?

• Personal care: primary cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos and body washes
• Rinse-off formulations such as liquid hand soaps, where its mildness relative to non-ethoxylated sulfates suits use
• Home care: dishwashing liquids and hard-surface cleaners, boosting grease removal
• Industrial and institutional cleaning: compatibility with other anionic and nonionic surfactants in concentrated systems
• Textile processing: scouring and wetting, with emulsification of oils and sizing agents
• It provides foam stability at varying water hardness levels.
• Used in the production of skin care creams in the cosmetics sector.
• In organic cosmetics, sulfates are combined with soothing agents and used in rinse-off products to limit irritation risks.
• Used in the textile printing and dyeing industry.
• Used as a lubricating chemical in the oil and leather industry.

Good to know: Sodium lauryl ether sulfate is a recognized trade-equivalent term buyers frequently use when sourcing this material.

Formulation notes

• Has better foam stability in the presence of soap compared to other anionics.

Typical specification

• Active content of 70%.
• Density of 1.03 g/cm3.
• At 70% concentration, pH range of 6.5-8.5.
• Supplied in drums, IBCs and tank trucks.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.