Other Names:
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS), Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, Dodecyl Sulfate Sodium Salt, Lauryl Sodium Sulfate, Lauryl Sulfate Na-Salt, AS, K12, Coco Alcohol Sulfate, Foaming Agent
Specification Summary
- Purity: Typically 93%–99%
- Form: White to off-white powder, flakes, or needle-like particles
- CAS No.: 151-21-3
- Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S
- Molecular Weight: 288.38 g/mol
Product Description
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant, widely recognized for its excellent cleaning, emulsifying, wetting, and foaming properties. It appears as a white to slightly beige powder or crystalline substance, highly soluble in water, and slightly soluble in alcohol. SLS is mildly corrosive to certain metals in solution and demonstrates stability in both alkaline and hard water conditions. It is biodegradable and compatible with many other surfactants.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Specification Table
| Property | Specification |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder or flake |
| Purity | 93%–99% |
| Solubility | Highly soluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol |
| pH (1% solution) | 7.0 – 9.5 |
| Melting Point | 204–207 °C |
| Density | 1.02–1.05 g/cm³ (at 20 °C) |
| Surface Tension | <30 mN/m (1% solution) |
| Foaming Properties | Excellent |
| Emulsification | Effective for oil-in-water emulsions |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions |
| Corrosivity | Mildly corrosive to metals in alkaline solution |
| Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable |
Downloadable TDS:
A comprehensive Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is available for download, providing detailed mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties, as well as processing guidelines for polystyrene.on.
Application Sectors and Industries of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Personal Care & Cosmetics
SLS is a primary surfactant in shampoos, toothpastes, body washes, and facial cleansers due to its superior foaming and emulsifying properties. It enhances product texture and ensures effective removal of oils and residues.
Household Cleaning Products
Used extensively in liquid detergents, dishwashing liquids, and all-purpose cleaners, SLS helps break down grease, lift dirt, and generate foam, improving cleaning efficacy.
Industrial & Institutional Cleaners
SLS is a key ingredient in industrial degreasers, floor cleaners, and vehicle wash products, where its strong wetting and emulsification abilities are essential for heavy-duty cleaning.
Pharmaceuticals
Employed as a tablet wetting agent, emulsifier, and dispersant, SLS ensures uniform distribution of active ingredients and enhances drug solubility in oral and topical formulations.
Food Processing
SLS is approved for use as an emulsifier and whipping aid in select food products, such as marshmallows and egg whites, to improve texture and stability.
Textile & Leather Processing
It acts as a wetting and cleaning agent in textile scouring, dyeing, and leather processing, facilitating uniform penetration of dyes and chemicals.
Agriculture
SLS is incorporated into pesticide and herbicide formulations as a wetting and spreading agent, improving coverage and absorption on plant surfaces.
Oil & Gas Industry
Utilized in enhanced oil recovery and drilling fluids, SLS reduces surface tension and aids in emulsification, improving extraction efficiency.
Laboratory & Analytical Applications
SLS is essential in protein analysis techniques such as SDS-PAGE, where it denatures proteins and imparts uniform charge for electrophoretic separation.
Printing & Paper Industry
Used as a de-inking and dispersing agent, SLS improves the quality of recycled paper and enhances the uniformity of printing inks.
Packaging Types
- 25 kg Paper Bags: Standard for bulk powder supply, lined for moisture protection.
- 50 kg Fiber Drums: Secure, rigid containers suitable for large-scale industrial users.
- Plastic Sacks (10–25 kg): Moisture-resistant and durable for mid-scale applications.
- IBC Totes (Liquid Form): For customers requiring SLS in aqueous solution, offering ease of handling and dosing.
- Custom Packaging: Available upon request for specific volume or handling requirements.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a versatile, high-performance surfactant with applications spanning personal care, industrial, pharmaceutical, and scientific sectors. Its combination of strong cleaning, foaming, and emulsifying properties, along with ease of formulation and biodegradability, make it a preferred choice across diverse industries.
