Skip to main content
ChemNexus
Back to ingredients

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Compare

Aliases: SLES, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate

High-foaming anionic surfactant for cleansing, detergency, wetting, and foam generation in aqueous systems.

Identity and Classification

N/A
INCI NameSodium Laureth Sulfate
IUPAC NameSodium 2-(2-dodecyloxyethoxy)ethyl sulfate
Other NamesSLES, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
AbbreviationsSLES
Molecular Formula-
CAS #9004-82-4
EC #-
Ingredient Category-
Chemical Family-

Overview

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is an ethoxylated anionic surfactant commonly supplied as an aqueous paste or solution at different active matter levels. It is widely used where strong detergency, foam generation, and good water solubility are required. Typical use depends on product category, active matter, co-surfactant system, electrolyte level, target mildness, and local regulatory requirements.

Functions and Industries

CleansingDetergencyFoamingWettingEmulsifying
SurfactantsCosmeticsPersonal Care

Formulation Examples

  • Industrial Degreaser

    Master ingredient application taxonomy value seeded from Master tables seeding.docx.

  • Dishwashing Liquid

    Master ingredient application taxonomy value seeded from Master tables seeding.docx.

  • Shampoo

    Master ingredient application taxonomy value seeded from Master tables seeding.docx.

Compatibility and Incompatibility

Compatible

Amphoteric SurfactantsNonionic SurfactantsHigh Salt SystemsStrong Acids

Incompatible

No known incompatibilities documented.

Related Content

Related Articles

  • What Are Surfactants?

    Surfactants are surface-active molecules that reduce surface and interfacial tension, enabling cleaning, wetting, emulsification, foaming, and dispersion across countless industrial and consumer applications.

Related Ingredients

  • Alcohol Ethoxylate

    Nonionic surfactant family for detergency, wetting, emulsification, and oily soil removal.

  • Alkyl Polyglucoside

    Nonionic sugar-derived surfactant for mild cleansing, foam, wetting, and detergency.

  • Alpha Olefin Sulfonate

    Sulfate-free anionic surfactant for foam, detergency, and wetting in aqueous systems.

  • Cocamide DEA

    Nonionic foam stabilizer and viscosity builder for surfactant-based cleaning systems.

  • Cocamide MEA

    Nonionic foam stabilizer and thickener for surfactant cleansing and detergent systems.

  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine

    Amphoteric co-surfactant for foam boosting, mildness support, and viscosity response in cleansing systems.

Related Industries