Sodium stearyl sulfate

Sodium stearyl sulfate (CAS 1120-04-3, EC 214-295-0), also known as sodium octadecyl sulfate or Natriumoctadecylsulfat, is an anionic surfactant derived from stearyl alcohol and sulfuric acid. It carries no assigned E-code and is not classified as a food additive under current EU regulations.

In pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing, it functions as a lubricant and wetting agent, reducing inter-particle friction and improving drug dissolution by lowering surface tension at solid-liquid interfaces. In textile processing, it enables uniform dye penetration by disrupting fiber surface tension, while in cosmetic formulations it acts as an emulsifier, stabilising oil-in-water systems through electrostatic repulsion between droplets.

Sodium stearyl sulfate is supplied as a white to light yellowish-beige powder meeting Ph.Eur. and USP-NF monograph specifications where applicable. It is subject to REACH registration requirements within the EU. Standard packaging formats include fibre drums and multi-wall paper sacks; pharmaceutical-grade material is available upon request.