Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant widely used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations for cleansing, foaming and surface-active functions. It is the sodium salt of lauryl sulfuric acid and contains a hydrophobic C12 alkyl chain together with a hydrophilic sulfate group.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is commonly used in rinse-off formulations where cleansing and foam generation are important. It can be found in products such as shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, shower products, liquid soaps, bath products and other personal-care cleansing formulations.
The ingredient is valued for its strong surface-active properties and ability to assist in the removal of oils, particulate materials and other impurities during cleansing.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an anionic sulfate surfactant. Its amphiphilic structure allows it to interact with both water and oily materials, making it useful in cleansing systems.
The molecule consists of a lauryl hydrocarbon chain attached through an ester linkage to a sulfate group. The sodium ion balances the negatively charged sulfate portion.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate has the molecular formula C12H25NaO4S and molecular weight of approximately 288.38 g/mol.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| INCI Name | Sodium Lauryl Sulfate |
| Common Name | Sodium Lauryl Sulfate |
| Abbreviation | SLS |
| CAS Number | 151-21-3 |
| EC Number | 205-788-1 |
| Chemical Name | Sodium dodecyl sulfate |
| IUPAC Name | Sodium dodecyl sulfate |
| Molecular Formula | C12H25NaO4S |
| Molecular Weight | 288.38 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Alkyl Sulfate |
| Surfactant Type | Anionic |
| Carbon Chain | C12 |
| Salt Form | Sodium Salt |
| Category | Cosmetic Ingredient |
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate contains a hydrophobic lauryl chain and a hydrophilic sulfate group. This amphiphilic structure enables it to reduce surface tension and participate in micelle formation.
These characteristics make SLS useful in formulations requiring effective cleansing and foam generation.
Potential formulation functions include:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is primarily used as a cleansing surfactant.
It can assist in the removal of:
During washing, surfactant molecules can surround oily materials and assist their dispersion in the aqueous phase, allowing them to be removed during rinsing.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is commonly used in formulations where noticeable foam is desired.
Potential applications include:
Foam performance depends on surfactant concentration, water quality, temperature, formulation pH, electrolytes and the presence of co-surfactants and other ingredients.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can be used as a primary cleansing surfactant in shampoo formulations.
Potential applications include:
When formulating shampoos, the complete surfactant system should be evaluated for cleansing efficiency, foam, viscosity, pH, hair feel and compatibility with conditioning ingredients.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate may be used in selected facial cleansing formulations.
Potential applications include:
The final product should be evaluated for pH, cleansing performance, sensory characteristics and skin compatibility.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can be used in body-cleansing formulations where effective cleansing and foam formation are required.
Potential applications include:
SLS can contribute to cleansing and foam formation in selected liquid cleansing systems.
It may be incorporated with other surfactants, humectants, viscosity modifiers, fragrances and functional ingredients according to the intended formulation.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used across various rinse-off personal-care categories.
Potential applications include:
When developing formulations containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, important parameters include:
The appropriate specification should always be based on the selected commercial grade.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate can be combined with other surfactants to modify cleansing, foam, viscosity and sensory characteristics.
Potential combinations may include:
The final combination should be selected according to the intended product and required performance.
Typical formulation-development considerations include:
Actual processing conditions should be established according to the physical form and commercial grade.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an established anionic surfactant for cosmetic and personal-care cleansing formulations.
For commercial procurement, buyers can evaluate:
When sourcing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, important procurement parameters may include:
For bulk procurement, the required grade and technical specification should be confirmed before purchase.
Important parameters include:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant primarily used for cleansing and foaming in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
The INCI name is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
The CAS number is 151-21-3.
The molecular formula is C12H25NaO4S.
The molecular weight is approximately 288.38 g/mol.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is an anionic surfactant and specifically an alkyl sulfate surfactant.
Its primary cosmetic functions are cleansing and foaming, with surfactant and wetting properties relevant to formulation development.
Yes. It can be used as a cleansing surfactant in suitable shampoo formulations.
Yes. It can be used in selected facial cleansing formulations.
Yes. It can be used in body washes, shower gels and other rinse-off cleansing products.
No. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are different substances. SLES contains ethoxylated chains, while SLS is the sulfate ester of lauryl alcohol.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Creamy white to pale yellow |