Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES 70%) is a highly effective anionic surfactant known for its excellent foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying capabilities. It is widely used across various industries, including personal care, household cleaning, agriculture, textiles, and industrial manufacturing. With a high active concentration, SLES 70% is a key ingredient in formulations requiring deep cleaning performance, reliable emulsification, and enhanced user experience.
This blog explores the properties, advantages, applications, and safety considerations of SLES 70%, helping formulators and manufacturers maximize its potential.
What is SLES 70%?
SLES 70% is the ethoxylated version of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, typically derived from natural fatty alcohols. It appears as a thick, slightly yellow to clear liquid and is fully soluble in water.
Key Specifications:
- Chemical Formula: CH₃(CH₂)₁₁(OCH₂CH₂)nOSO₃Na
- CAS Number: 68585-34-2
- Appearance: Clear to light yellow viscous liquid
- pH (1% solution): 7.0–9.5
- Solubility: Soluble in water
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (OECD compliant)
Benefits of SLES 70%
| Property | Benefit |
| Rich Foam Formation | Produces thick, stable lather even in hard water conditions |
| Effective Cleaning | Efficiently removes oil, dirt, and grease |
| Emulsification | Helps blend oil and water for a uniform product texture |
| Gentler on Skin | Milder than SLS, especially when combined with co-surfactants |
Main Applications of SLES 70%
1. Personal Care Products
SLES 70% is a primary surfactant in:
- Shampoos
- Body washes
- Toothpastes
- Liquid soaps
- Facial cleansers
- Bubble baths
It provides the rich foaming and cleansing experience consumers expect while remaining mild when properly formulated.
2. Household Cleaning
SLES 70% is widely used in:
- Dishwashing liquids
- Laundry detergents
- Multipurpose surface cleaners
- Floor and tile cleaners
It effectively lifts and dissolves grease and grime and rinses away without leaving residue.
3. Industrial And Institutional Cleaning
Commonly used in:
- Car wash foams
- Industrial degreasers
- Pressure-washing agents
Its stability in various temperatures and water hardness levels makes it suitable for professional- grade cleaning.
4. Textile and Leather Processing
- Acts as a wetting and scouring agent
- Supports dyeing and finishing processes by improving absorption and dispersion
5. Agricultural Formulations
- Used as a surfactant in herbicides and pesticides
- Improves the readability and penetration of active ingredients on plant surfaces
SLES vs. SLS: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | SLES | SLS |
| Foam Quality | Excellent | Excellent |
| Skin Compatibility | Milder, due to ethoxylation | Harsher, may cause irritation |
| Common Uses | Personal care, home care, agriculture | Industrial cleaners, toothpaste |
| Price | Slightly higher | More economical |
Formulation Tips for SLES 70%
- Combine with amphoteric surfactants (e.g., cocamidopropyl betaine) to reduce irritation.
- Maintain pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5 for personal care products.
- Use chelating agents to improve stability in hard water.
- Add conditioning agents to balance its strong cleansing effect in haircare products.
Safety and Handling
Is SLES 70% Safe?
Yes. When properly diluted and used in appropriate concentrations, SLES is considered safe by global regulatory bodies, including:
- Health Canada
- U.S. FDA
- EU Cosmetic Regulation
Safety Guidelines:
- Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged exposure to raw SLES.
- Wear protective gear (gloves, goggles) during handling in industrial settings.
- Ensure proper ventilation and dilution in manufacturing environments.
Environmental Impact
SLES 70% is biodegradable and breaks down quickly under environmental conditions. However, large-scale releases into waterways should be avoided to protect aquatic ecosystems.
Storage Recommendations
- Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
- Use containers made of stainless steel or HDPE
- Avoid direct sunlight and freezing conditions
Conclusion
SLES 70% (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate) is a powerful, versatile surfactant that delivers high performance across a broad spectrum of applications. From personal care to industrial cleaning, it provides excellent foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying action. When formulated correctly and used responsibly, it is a cost-effective, safe, and reliable ingredient for manufacturers seeking quality results.
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