Sodium Laureth Sulfate commonly referred to as SLES is an anionic detergent and surfactant used in cleaning products and personal products. It's known as an anionic surfactant - which means when it is in the water form it will bear a negative charge on it which helps to attract the oils and dirt. SLES is synthesized from Laurel Alcohol Ethoxylate that is originally produced from coconut oil or palm oil kernel, down with the help of sulfur trioxide.
Sodium Laurus Sulphate is often abbreviated as SLES and is also referred to by several other names:
● AES
● Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
● Texapon N70
● SLES 70
● SLES Surfactant
Some of these names are usually used in commercial and industrial applications depending on the formulation or concentration of the product in use.
Importance Of Sodium Laureth Sulphate(SLES)
SLES is used in the manufacture of numerous household and personal care, thus, SLES has a significant role in formulation of most of these products. Its main use is to reduce the size of the water droplets so that they spread out on the water and mix with oil and dirt. This property makes SLES very efficient as a surfactant, that is, facilitates detachment and dispersion of dirt which can be washed off. Another benefit is the versatility of SLES as a forming agent, which adds the right feel to products such as shampoos and soaps. Also, SLES is cheaper compared to other similar products and can be bought in large quantities for use by manufacturers all over the world.
Applications Of SLES:
SLES Is a sulfonated polyester surfactant that comes in the form of sodium salt and it has widespread applications in lots of personal products and cleaners. Here are some primary applications of SLES and its effectiveness in each:
Liquid Hand Soaps:
● Application: SLES has a very large application in liquid hand soaps having the great cleansing capacity and ability to form rich foam which removes oil, dirt, and contaminants on hands.
● Benefit: It delivers a thorough cleanliness where hands feel fresh and clean, and more over the foaming action serves the purpose of giving the feeling of cleanness.
Shampoo:
● Application: In shampoos, SLES is a primary surfactant that aids in the removal of oil, dirt, and deposits from the scalp and hair.
● Benefit: Because of its low pH, it has enormous cleaning characteristics, which provide a good foaming effect and make hair look cleaner. It is used regularly with conditioning agents since it has a drying effect and might cause skin dryness.
Body Wash:
● Application: SLES is found in body washers to give it a rich and luxurious feel that then helps disperse the oils and dirt on the skin.
● Benefit: It makes the body wash rich and creamy, which many people like, and it is quickly washed off without forming a film on the skin.
Liquid Soap:
● Application: In general liquid soap SLES is used where it will emulsify the oils and dirt to enable easy washing off the skin.
● Benefit: The production of foam is good for washing and is also suitable for the washing of delicate and stained skins due to its property of emulsifying oils.
Facial Cleanser:
● Application: SLES is also used in facial cleansers because it helps to wash off excess oil, makeup, and other impurities on the skin's surface.
● Benefit: It provides a deep cleansing ability which is very effective for people having oily and acne problems skin types. However, it is often used together with other milder substances to eliminate the possibility of irritation.
Foaming Bath Products:
● Application: In products such as bubble baths, bath gels, and so on, SLES gives foam a long-lasting stability that enhances the relaxation process.
● Benefit: It forms a layer of bubbles to add a luxury feel, adding comfort to the bath and helping clean the skin.
Laundry Detergents:
● Application: SLES is commonly applied in general-purpose cleaning products such as laundry soap products because of its ability to cut through oil and dirt on fabrics.
● Benefit: For most stains, it offers an outstanding cleaning ability and ensures that it keeps the fabric's brightness to give it a clean sheen, especially to heavily soiled clothes.
Dishwashing Liquids:
● Application: SLES is beneficial for the foaming and degreasing of dishwashing liquids.
● Benefit: It makes sure that grease is eliminated effectively and plays an important role in washing out the residue of food on the dishes.
Industrial Cleaners:
● Application: SLES is used in industrial cleaners in which it functions for degreasing industrial machinery and other equipment.
● Benefit: Laundry detergent soap is powerful in removing oily and greasy dirt which is essential in industries.
These applications depict SLES as a versatile product with a great capacity to enhance the texture and performance of personal products. But in most cases, it is added to balanced formulations to reduce the potential for allowing the skin to become dry or irritable.
Technical Specification:
Understanding the technical characteristics of SLES is essential for manufacturers in terms of formulation and compliance:
● Concentration: More common at 70 ± 2.0% purity and commonly known as SLES 70.
● Appearance: Typically it is a white or light yellow gel that can be easily incorporated into different products.
● Packaging: This product comes in 170 kg IBC barrels, making it easier to handle, especially in production facilities.
● Chemical Identifier: 9004-82-4, as a CAS Registry number helpful in safety and for taxonomical purposes.
● Shipping Capacity: A 20ft container (20GP) can accommodate up to 19,380 kgs which makes it suitable for bulk businesses.
Conclusion
Sodium Laurel sulfate (SLES) is widely used in the manufacture of personal care and cleaning products due to its forming and cleaning abilities. It is used in liquid soaps, shampoos, and body washes among others due to its above uses. It is cost-friendly. However, it is equally important for the consumers and the environment to moderate the concentration of SLES. Its characterization makes it easy for manufacturers to determine which formulation is right for their products, thus achieving both output and customer satisfaction.
