Triethanolamine lauryl sulfate

Triethanolamine lauryl sulfate (TELS) is an anionic surfactant formed by neutralising lauryl sulfuric acid with triethanolamine. It carries no E-code designation. It is commercially known under trade names including Drene, Emal T, Elfan 4240T, and Akyposal TLS, and shares CAS 139-96-8.

In personal care formulations, TELS functions as a primary cleansing agent in shampoos and body washes, where its anionic charge disrupts sebum and particulate soil at the hair and skin surface. It also acts as an emulsifier in cream-based cleansers, stabilising oil-in-water systems by reducing interfacial tension between phases.

TELS is supplied in liquid form and is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU market entry. Procurement should confirm compliance with relevant cosmetic regulations under EU Regulation 1223/2009. Standard packaging formats for industrial supply typically include drums and intermediate bulk containers.