Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a commonly used ingredient of body care products such as hair shampoos, shower gels, face care products, soaps, or toothpastes. It is also applied in dishwashing detergents and concentrated hard surface cleaners. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is an alkaline substance with a very high pH level, classified into the group of Alcohol Ethoxy Sulfates (AES). SLES is an anionic detergent. As a surfactant, it is appreciated for its excellent efficacy in cleaning, emulsification, wetting and foaming.
The physico-chemical properties of Sodium Laureth Sulfate are used in the sectors of personal care products and detergents, while the emulsifying properties are mostly applied in the cosmetics industry. The chemical formula of Sodium Laureth Sulfate is C18H37NaO7S . Sometimes the number represented by n is specified in the name, for example n=3. The product is heterogeneous in the number of ethoxyl groups, where n is the mean value. The CAS number of the compound is 68891-38-3. Its chemical name is lauryl alcohol ethoxylated sulfate sodium salt. However, it is usually called by its INCI name (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) or its abbreviation (SLES).
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is an anionic surfactant from the group of alkyl ether Sulfates. The consistency of a pure product available in trade is a fluid paste with transparent to bright yellow colour. It is mostly sold in a concentrated form, as an aqueous solution, where the content of the main ingredient exceeds 70%. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is freely soluble in water. It shows an increased resistance to hard water compared to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It is used for the manufacturing of cleaning agents or body care products and shows a good compatibility with other ingredients of washing formulations as well as synergism with amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is produced by the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol. Its biodegradability, whether in aerobic or anaerobic conditions, makes it a good candidate for care products.
Both Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate belong to the group of compounds called Sulfates. Sulfates are salts produced by the reaction of sulphuric acid with other chemical compounds. Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are made from products derived from crude oil and plant raw materials such as coconut oil and palm oil. They can be found mainly in personal care products such as shampoos or shower gels. They are also widely applied in household chemicals.
The principal role of SLES and SLS in products is the production of foam, which enhances the impression of the cleaning force. Although these agents are not “bad”, there is a lot of controversy regarding their use. The main reason are the allergic reactions that may emerge on the skin. SLES, just like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, shows very good washing, foaming and emulsifying properties. SLES does not remove any excess moisture from the epidermis, leaving it soft, smooth and conditioned to the touch.
Becaufe of its properties, Sodium Laureth Sulfate is widely applied in many household chemicals:
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a popular ingredient present in most skin care products, including soaps, shampoos or face washing agents. It is an ingredient that easily foams, and its properties very much resemble a detergent. This is one of those components that make conventional skin care products quite cheap. It is used in many face washing products due to its capability to dissolve oil. The FDA considers it safe. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is mostly acquired from palm oil or coconut oil. It is more resistant to hard water compared to other anionic surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which improves its effect. In addition, it is highly compatible with other ingredients existing in body care products and shows synergism with amphoteric and non-ionic surfactants. Its biodegradability along with good antibacterial and antimicrobial activity make Sodium Laureth Sulfate an appropriate candidate for body care products.
According to www.transparencymarketresearch.com, it is expected that the Sodium Laureth Sulfate market will dynamically grow in the upcoming years. It is the continuation of the growth that started in 2016. We observe an increasing demand for body care products such as hair shampoos, face and body wash products, toothpastes, etc., the hair care sector being the leader. The awareness of personal hygiene along with the growing expenses on luxury products and the growth in new personal care products (hair conditioners, gels, versatile anti-ageing products, purifiers, products resistant to UV rays) are factors that drive the trade in Sodium Laureth Sulfate. The use of SLES in household chemicals, such as floor cleaners or automotive care products, is another important market driver. Intensive marketing of all these products through appropriate channels and media has also increased consumer awareness. The benefits of using products that contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate outweigh the related risk, which is a factor that drives the focus on supplying more products based on Sodium Laureth Sulfate. The only restriction for the SLES market are cases of skin irritation and inflammation, which gave rise to regulations concerning the use of that product.
The global market of Sodium Laureth Sulfate is divided into the regions of North America, Asia and Pacific, and Europe. The main producers of Sodium Laureth Sulfate are based in Asia and Pacific, mostly in China and India, followed by North America and Europe. The market growth in Europe is slow due to saturation. However, the European countries show heavy demand for high-quality body care products. Africa remains a potential market given its flourishing sector of personal care products.
