Sodium Alfa Olefin Sulfonate

Sodium Alfa Olefin Sulfonate(AOS) Is one of the most popular surfactants that is characterized by good foaming and cleaning abilities. Hence, the manufacturer has been using AOS to create products that have a gentle impact on the skin as well as being efficient in removing dirt on the skin. Being available in different percentages and many different types of preparations, AOS is used in shampoos and body washes with great leathering, emulsifying, and cleansing properties.

Sodium Alpha Olefin (AOS) is commonly called by various names depending on its form or function. Here are some common names and synonyms:

● Sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate

● Sodium C14-18 Alpha olefin sulfonate

● Sodium Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate

● Sodium Alkene Sulfonate

● SLES (Sodium C12-14 Olefin Sulfonate)

● AOS 1416

● Sulfonated Olefin

● Alpha Olefin Sulfonate

● Sulfonated C14-16 Paraffin

● Sodium α-Olefin Sulfonate

These names could be seen on the list of ingredients or technical specifications for all kinds of products, and denote just a slightly different length of the carbon chain or a different recipe of AOS.

Importance of AOS In Industry

Here are some remarks on Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) based on its properties, applications, and industry value:

1. Versatility: The versatility of AOS to act as liquid and powder enhances its application in the market, meeting various requirements of the industry: from shampoos to body washes.

2. Mild On Skin: AOS is known to be gentle or mild, thus it is perfect to be used in personal care products that are often used by many, such as facial cleaner liquid soaps, which reduces the possibility of skin reaction.

3. Cost Effectiveness: This forming and cleaning index makes it possible for manufacturers to attain high performance at a low cost; it makes AOS more suitable for mass-product production.

4. Rich Foaming Action: The fine-forming properties of AOS improve customer satisfaction with products that require foam and leather such as bath and shower products.

5. Environmental Considerations: Nevertheless, AOS is a synthetic surfactant; it is may not as friendly to the environment as it would be when using some biodegradable, plant-based products. However, future enhancements of manufacturing processes are aimed at reducing its effect on the environment.

6. Storage And Transport Efficiency: There are several types of packaging materials: large barrels and composite bags, so AOS is suitable for large-scale production due to convenient transportation in bulk.

7. Broad Industry Use: It shows the versatility of AOS and is regarded as suitable for use in both products that target the individual consumer and products aimed at cleaning households. It also makes it a common raw material used by cleaning companies and personal care brands.

Overall, Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulphonate is one of the best-rated surfactants in the industry regarding performance, mildness, and cost yet environmental aspects can be considered as a field for improvement.

Applications Of AOS In Personal Care Products  

Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulphonate is incorporated in personal products since it produces a rich, foamy leather and is mild to the skin. Here are some common applications:

Shampoos

● Application: AOS finds its application mainly in shampoos as a primary surfactant whose function is to clean the scalp and hair by removing oils and dirt.

● Benefits: It provides shampoos with a rich foam to give the user that extra special feel, as it is quite gentle to the scalp making it suitable for daily use.

Body Wash And Shower Gels

● Application: In body washes and showers, AOS helps to provide skin cleanliness by emulsifying the skin’s grease and other dirt which is quite an effective wash.

● Benefits: AOS's gentle formula works perfectly on all skin types and therefore is recommendable for everyday application in body care products. It is good for the production of thick foam that improves the user's shower experience.

Facial Cleansers

● Application: AOS is also added to facial cleansers because it gives a soft but effective washing property for the removal of makeup, oil, or other dirt.

● Benefits: Due to the gentle formula it is suitable for use on the face since it does not cause rashes or dryness. Through the foaming action, one is able to spread the product over the face in such a way that will cover all areas.

Liquid Hand Soaps

● Application: In liquid hand soaps, AOS can be regarded as the main active substance since it allows one to wash the hands successfully removing dangerous pathogens and dirt.

● Benefits:  AOS offers good leather which gives the right feel of cleaning the body. It is soft on the hands for easier washing without negatively impacting the skin, especially during the winter season.

Foaming Bath Products

● Application: AOS is used in the manufacture of bath products that have foaming abilities because it creates long-lasting bubbles which will make a user experience a better bath.

● Benefits: The product foams up to be rich which makes it fun to use in a bath and at the same time, skin is defoliated in a perfect clean.

Forms And Concentrations Of AOS:  

Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulphonate is available in two forms and they include, AOS powder and AOS liquid so that consumers can choose the appropriate form for their production. The available concentrations of AOS include 35%, 38%, and 92% each with distinct properties and suited to various applications:

Content Variants: Available in 35%, 38%, and 92% concentrations.

Color: Light yellow transparent liquid or white to slightly yellow powder.

Packaging:

● AOS/35 and AOS/38: Packaged in 200 kg plastic barrels, IBC ton barrels, or liquid bags.

● Bulk AOS/92: Available in 25 kg composite bags.

Container Load: Standard 20 GP containers can carry 16 tons, 20 tons, 21 tons, or 10.5 tons depending on the form and concentration.

Conclusion

Sodium Alpha Olefin Sulphonate is among the most common raw materials in personal care and cleaning products for a good reason, it is affordable, effective, and gentle. As incorporated into shampoos, body washes,  facial cleansers, and many other products, it is indispensable in the formulation market. Due to the high forming properties, suitability to hard water, and compatibility with many materials, AOS remains a product in demand among formulated manufacturers.