Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLeS) – Gentle Surfactant for Baby Products, Shampoos, & Cleansers.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLeS) is a widely-used anionic surfactant, offering a milder alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Known for its effective cleansing properties, SLeS is gentle on the skin, making it a preferred ingredient for formulations targeting sensitive skin, baby products, and hair care. This surfactant is renowned for its ability to create rich, stable foam while maintaining moisture levels, ensuring a non-drying and gentle cleansing experience.
Technical Specs
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Ingredients (Common Name) | Sodium laureth sulfate or SLES |
| Ingredients (INCI Name) | Sodium laureth sulfate |
| CAS No | 9004-82-4 |
| Appearance | Clear, viscous liquid or a smooth, thick paste |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
| pH | Typically around 6.0 to 7.5 |
Key Features
- Mild Cleansing: SLeS effectively removes dirt, oils, and impurities without causing significant irritation. Ideal for sensitive skin and baby care products.
- Rich Foaming: Produces a luxurious lather that enhances the overall sensory experience of shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers.
- Non-Drying: Helps retain natural skin oils, preventing the overly drying effect seen in harsher sulfates.
- Compatibility: Blends well with other surfactants like Cocamidopropyl Betaine to improve foaming and thickness.
- Good Stability in Hard Water: Maintains effectiveness even in hard water conditions, ensuring consistent performance in different environments.
Suggested Uses
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is highly versatile and can be used in various personal care products, including:
- Shampoos: Provides a gentle cleanse while producing rich foam.
- Body Washes: Ideal for body cleansers, as it helps maintain skin moisture and provides a luxurious lather.
- Facial Cleansers: A non-irritating surfactant suitable for delicate facial skin.
- Baby Products: Its mildness makes it perfect for baby shampoos and washes.
- Hand Washes and Cleansers: Effective at removing dirt without over-drying the skin.
Formulation Tips
- Recommended Usage Levels:
- 3-20% depending on the product type and desired concentration.
- Shampoos and Body Washes: Typically 10-15% to ensure good foaming and cleansing properties without irritation.
- Baby Products and Sensitive Skin Formulations: Usually 3-5% to maintain mildness while still achieving effective cleansing.
- Pairing: Works well with other surfactants like Cocamidopropyl Betaine for improved viscosity and foaming. It is active matter 30%
For External Use Only: This product should not be consumed or applied directly to the skin in its raw form.
