Sodium laureth sulfate

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES, CAS 3088-31-1) is an anionic surfactant derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, available under trade names including Tergentol and sodium lauryl diethoxysulfate. It carries no assigned E-code and is distinct from its non-ethoxylated counterpart, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

In personal care formulations, SLES lowers surface tension to solubilise oils and sebum, enabling effective cleansing in shampoos and body washes at relatively low use concentrations. In textile and leather processing, it acts as a wetting and emulsifying agent, improving dye penetration and ensuring uniform distribution of treatment chemicals across fibres and hides.

SLES is supplied in liquid and paste grades, with ethoxylation levels typically specified as 2 or 3 moles of ethylene oxide (SLES-2, SLES-3). It is subject to REACH registration and Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 compliance requirements for personal care applications. Standard packaging includes drums and IBC containers.