SLES, or Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, is a popular anionic surfactant used as a primary cleansing and foaming agent in many rinse-off personal care and household products. It is considered a gentler alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and is produced from coconut or palm oil. Chemi offers SLES in two concentrations: 25% and 70%.
key properties
- Common Name: SLES
- Chemical Name: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate
- Source: Derived from coconut or palm oil
- Concentrations: Available in 25% and 70% concentrations
- Properties: Possesses excellent detergency, foaming, and emulsifying capabilities. It is also biodegradable.
Applications
- Personal Care: A key ingredient in shampoos, body washes, hand soaps, and facial cleansers.
- Household Products: Used in dishwashing liquids and other cleaning formulations due to its effective cleansing power.
Safety Precautions
- Mild Irritant: While generally considered gentle, high concentrations can be a mild irritant to the skin and eyes. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling the concentrated form.
- Environmental Impact: As a biodegradable product, SLES is safe for the environment. However, if contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, it can become non-biodegradable and may be harmful to marine life.