Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) 28% is a surfactant—an essential ingredient found in many personal care and household products. Known for its cleansing and foaming properties, SLES 28% plays a vital role in the formulation of shampoos, body washes, liquid soaps, and more. In this blog post, we’ll explore the ins and outs of SLES 28%, its uses, benefits, and considerations.
What is SLES 28%?
SLES 28% is a sodium salt of sulfated ethoxylated lauryl alcohol. It is produced by ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol, followed by sulfation, resulting in a mixture of ethoxylated alkyl sulfates. This process yields a surfactant with excellent cleansing properties, making it a popular choice in the formulation of personal care and household cleaning products.
Uses and Applications
- Personal Care Products: SLES 28% is a key ingredient in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and hand soaps. It acts as a surfactant, helping to remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin and hair, while also creating a rich lather for a luxurious cleansing experience.
- Household Cleaners: SLES 28% is utilized in household cleaning products such as dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents, and multipurpose cleaners. Its excellent cleaning and foaming properties make it effective at lifting and removing stains, grease, and grime from various surfaces.
Benefits of SLES 28%
- Effective Cleansing: SLES 28% effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin, hair, and household surfaces, leaving them clean and refreshed.
- Rich Lather: SLES 28% creates a rich and stable lather in personal care products, enhancing the cleansing experience and imparting a sense of luxury.
- Compatibility: SLES 28% is compatible with a wide range of other ingredients, allowing for versatile formulations and product customization.
- Cost-Effectiveness: SLES 28% is a cost-effective ingredient for manufacturers, as it offers excellent cleaning and foaming properties at a relatively low cost.
Safety Considerations
- Skin Sensitivity: While SLES 28% is generally considered safe for topical use, some individuals may experience skin irritation or sensitivity. It is important to perform patch tests and discontinue use if irritation occurs.
- Environmental Impact: SLES 28% is biodegradable under aerobic conditions, but its production and use may have environmental implications. Proper disposal and wastewater treatment are essential to minimize environmental impact.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SLES 28% is a versatile and effective surfactant used in a wide range of personal care and household products. Its excellent cleansing and foaming properties make it a popular choice for manufacturers seeking to create high-quality cleansers and detergents. However, it is important to consider safety and environmental factors when using products containing SLES 28%, ensuring responsible usage and disposal practices for a cleaner and safer world.