SLES 70 (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate 70%): A Comprehensive Overview

Technical Overview

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate 70% (SLES 70) is a highly effective anionic surfactant that has become indispensable in modern cleaning and personal care formulations. Also known as Sodium Laureth Sulfate, this commodity surfactant offers exceptional foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying properties at an economical price point.

SLES 70 is derived from natural sources, primarily coconut oil or palm kernel oil, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious manufacturers. The "70" designation indicates that the product contains 70% active surfactant content, providing concentrated cleaning power while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

As an anionic surfactant, SLES 70 carries a negative charge on its hydrophilic end, which enables it to effectively lift and suspend soils in micelles, making it particularly effective against a broad range of contaminants.

Chemical Properties

Physical Characteristics

SLES 70 exhibits excellent stability under normal storage conditions and maintains consistent foam characteristics across varying water hardness levels. The product demonstrates good compatibility with most surfactants, including cationic, anionic, and nonionic varieties, making it highly versatile for formulation purposes.

Manufacturing Process

The production of SLES 70 involves a sophisticated two-step chemical process that transforms natural coconut or palm kernel oil into this highly effective surfactant.

Step 1: Ethoxylation

The process begins with the ethoxylation of dodecyl alcohol (lauryl alcohol), which is derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. During this step, ethylene oxide is added to the alcohol under controlled temperature and pressure conditions, typically in the presence of a catalyst. This creates lauryl ether with an average of 2-3 ethylene oxide units (commonly referred to as laureth-2 or laureth-3).

Step 2: Sulfation and Neutralization

The ethoxylated alcohol is then treated with sulfur trioxide or chlorosulfonic acid to introduce the sulfate group. The resulting acid is immediately neutralized with sodium hydroxide to form the final SLES product. Quality control measures ensure the 70% active content and minimize impurities.

Quality Considerations

During manufacturing, careful attention is paid to minimizing the formation of 1,4-dioxane, a potential by-product that can occur during the ethoxylation process. Modern production facilities employ advanced purification techniques to ensure product safety and compliance with international standards.

Functions & Applications

SLES 70 serves multiple critical functions in cleaning and personal care formulations, making it one of the most versatile surfactants available in the market today.

Primary Functions

• Foaming Agent: Produces rich, stable foam that enhances user experience and cleaning efficacy
• Cleansing Agent: Effectively removes dirt, oils, and other contaminants from surfaces
• Emulsifier: Helps blend oil and water-based ingredients in formulations
• Wetting Agent: Reduces surface tension, allowing better penetration and coverage
• Dispersant: Keeps particles suspended in solution, preventing settling

Performance Characteristics

SLES 70 demonstrates exceptional performance across a wide range of conditions. It maintains effectiveness in both hard and soft water, shows good temperature stability, and provides consistent results across different pH levels. The surfactant's ability to generate significant foam while maintaining excellent cleaning properties makes it particularly valuable in consumer products where visual appeal and performance must coexist.

Industry Applications

Personal Care Products

SLES 70 is extensively used in personal care formulations due to its mildness and effectiveness:

• Shampoos: Provides excellent cleansing and rich lather formation
• Body Washes and Shower Gels: Enhances emulsification properties and foam quality
• Facial Cleansers: Offers gentle yet effective cleansing for sensitive skin
• Toothpastes: Improves foaming and helps spread the paste evenly
• Liquid Hand Soaps: Provides superior cleaning and pleasant user experience

Household and Laundry Products

The cleaning power of SLES 70 makes it ideal for various household applications:

• Laundry Detergents: Enhances cleaning effectiveness and stain removal
• Dishwashing Liquids: Provides excellent grease cutting and foam stability
• All-Purpose Cleaners: Offers versatile cleaning for multiple surfaces
• Carpet Cleaners: Helps lift and suspend dirt particles for easy removal

Industrial Applications

Beyond consumer products, SLES 70 finds important uses in industrial settings:

• Industrial Cleaners: Used in heavy-duty cleaning formulations
• Agricultural Chemicals: Serves as a surfactant in herbicide formulations to improve absorption
• Textile Processing: Assists in fabric treatment and finishing processes
• Emulsion Polymerization: Acts as an emulsifier in polymer production

Advantages & Benefits

Economic Benefits

• Cost-Effective: Provides excellent performance at competitive pricing
• High Concentration: 70% active content reduces shipping and storage costs
• Versatile Formulation: Single ingredient serves multiple functions, simplifying formulations
• Stable Supply: Derived from renewable coconut and palm oil sources

Performance Advantages

• Excellent Foaming: Generates rich, stable foam that consumers associate with effective cleaning
• Hard Water Tolerance: Maintains performance in various water conditions
• Broad Compatibility: Works well with other surfactants and additives
• Temperature Stability: Performs consistently across a wide temperature range
• pH Flexibility: Effective across various pH levels

Formulation Benefits

• Easy Processing: Readily dissolves and blends in aqueous systems
• Viscosity Building: Contributes to desired product texture and feel
• Mildness: Gentler than traditional sulfates while maintaining effectiveness
• Recommended Dosage: Typically used at 5.0%-18.0% in formulations

Safety & Handling

Safety Profile

SLES 70 has been extensively tested and is considered safe for use in consumer products when used as directed. Regulatory agencies including the FDA in the United States and similar bodies worldwide have approved its use in personal care and cleaning products.

Handling Precautions

• Personal Protection: Use appropriate gloves and eye protection when handling concentrated product
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in work areas
• Skin Contact: While generally mild, prolonged contact with concentrated product should be avoided
• Eye Contact: May cause irritation; flush immediately with water if contact occurs

Storage Requirements

• Temperature: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Container: Keep in original containers or compatible storage vessels
• Shelf Life: 24 months under proper storage conditions
• Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents

Environmental Impact

Biodegradability

One of the key environmental advantages of SLES 70 is its excellent biodegradability. The surfactant demonstrates a degradation rate of up to 92%, making it environmentally friendly and suitable for use in regions with strict environmental regulations.

Renewable Source

SLES 70 is derived from natural coconut oil and palm kernel oil, making it a renewable resource. This natural origin contributes to its environmental profile and supports sustainable manufacturing practices.

Regulatory Compliance

In Western Europe, all surfactant components of domestic detergents must be biodegradable, a requirement that SLES 70 readily meets. This regulatory compliance ensures that products containing SLES 70 can be marketed globally without environmental concerns.

Aquatic Safety

Studies have shown that SLES 70 does not bioaccumulate in aquatic environments and breaks down readily in wastewater treatment systems. This characteristic makes it a responsible choice for manufacturers concerned about their environmental footprint.

Current Offering by Bohr Chem

Shenzhen Bohr Chemical Co., Ltd stands as a premier supplier of high-quality SLES 70 (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate 70%) in the Chinese market and internationally. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our clients receive consistently superior products that meet the most demanding specifications.

Product Specifications

• Active Content: 70% ± 2%
• Appearance: Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid
• pH (10% solution): 7.0 - 9.5
• Sodium Sulfate: ≤ 1.5%
• Unsulfated Matter: ≤ 2.0%
• Color (Klett): ≤ 30

Quality Assurance

Our SLES 70 undergoes rigorous quality control testing at every stage of production and distribution. We provide comprehensive documentation including:

• Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch
• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
• Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
• Product samples for evaluation

Packaging and Logistics

We offer flexible packaging options to meet diverse customer needs:

• Standard Packaging: 170kg plastic drums, 1100kg IBC tanks
• Bulk Options: Tanker truck delivery for large volume customers
• Custom Packaging: Available upon request for specific requirements

Technical Support

Our experienced technical team provides comprehensive support including:

• Formulation guidance and optimization
• Application troubleshooting
• Regulatory compliance assistance
• Custom product development

Global Reach

With our strategic location in Shenzhen and established logistics network, we efficiently serve customers across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. Our commitment to reliable supply chain management ensures consistent product availability and timely delivery.