Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Gel - SLES -

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate is an anionic surfactant commonly used in personal care and cleaning products.
It is usually supplied as a viscous clear to pale yellow gel/paste with about 70% active matter.

SLES is valued for:

• Excellent foaming ability
• Strong cleansing performance
• Good compatibility with other surfactants
• Lower irritation compared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

It is widely used in:

• Shampoos
• Hand wash
• Body wash
• Facial cleansers
• Dishwashing liquids
• Car wash shampoos
• Household cleaners

Typical Usage Rate

The usage level depends on the final product type.

Active Matter Note

Since SLES contains 70% active surfactant, formulators calculate based on desired active cleaning content.

Example:

• 10% SLES 70% gives about 7% active surfactant.

Benefits of SLES 70%

1. High Foam Production

Creates rich and stable foam even in hard water.

2. Excellent Cleansing

Efficiently removes:

• Oils
• Dirt
• Grease
• Product buildup

3. Mild Compared to SLS

Ethoxylation makes SLES less harsh on skin and scalp than SLS.

4. Easy Thickening

Works well with salt (NaCl) to build viscosity in shampoos and hand washes.

5. Cost Effective

Provides strong cleaning at relatively low cost.

6. Compatible With Other Ingredients

Blends well with:

• Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB)
• Nonionic surfactants
• Foam boosters
• Conditioning agents

Common Formula Combination

A basic shampoo system often includes:

• SLES 70% → primary cleanser
• CAPB → mildness & foam stabilization
• Salt → thickener
• Preservative
• Fragrance
• Water

Important Considerations

pH Range

Best performance around:

• pH 5.5–7.5

Skin Sensitivity

Although milder than SLS, high concentrations may still cause:

• Dryness
• Eye irritation
• Scalp irritation

Storage

Store in:

• Cool, dry place
• Closed containers
• Away from direct sunlight

Physical Properties