SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
High-foaming anionic surfactant for toothpaste, shampoo, industrial cleaning, and pharmaceutical applications. Powder and liquid grades.
Product Overview
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), is a high-foaming anionic surfactant produced by sulfation of lauryl alcohol (C12) followed by neutralization with sodium hydroxide. It is one of the most studied and widely used surfactants in personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.
Texas-Chem supplies SLS in powder (needle/granule) and liquid (30% solution) forms. The powder form is preferred for toothpaste and dry formulations; the liquid form is used in shampoos, body washes, and industrial cleaners. USP grade is available for pharmaceutical applications.
Common Applications
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 151-21-3 |
| INCI Name | Sodium Lauryl Sulfate |
| Molecular Formula | C12H25NaO4S |
| Molecular Weight | 288.38 g/mol |
| Active Content | 90-95% (powder), 28-30% (liquid) |
| Appearance | White powder/needles or clear liquid |
| pH (1% solution) | 7.5-9.5 |
| CMC (Critical Micelle Conc.) | 8.2 mM at 25°C |
| Grade | Industrial, USP |
| Packaging | Bags, Drums, Totes |
Safety & Documentation
SLS is a skin and eye irritant at concentrations above 1%. Avoid contact with eyes and prolonged skin contact. Use gloves and safety glasses when handling. The powder form can cause respiratory irritation — use dust mask. Review SDS before use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between SLS and SLES?
SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) is the non-ethoxylated form — higher foaming but more irritating. SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) is ethoxylated (2-3 EO units), making it milder and less irritating while maintaining good foam. SLES has largely replaced SLS in rinse-off personal care products.
Is SLS safe in toothpaste?
SLS is approved for use in toothpaste by the FDA and is the standard foaming agent in most commercial toothpastes at 0.5-2%. Some people with sensitive mouths or canker sores prefer SLS-free toothpaste, as SLS can irritate oral mucosa in susceptible individuals.
What is USP-grade SLS used for?
USP-grade SLS meets the purity standards of the United States Pharmacopeia and is used in pharmaceutical tablet formulations as a wetting agent and emulsifier, in topical creams and ointments, and in laboratory applications such as SDS-PAGE protein electrophoresis.
Does Texas-Chem supply SLS powder and liquid?
Yes. Texas-Chem supplies SLS as white powder/needles (90-95% active) in bags and super sacks, and as liquid solution (28-30% active) in drums and totes. Contact us for specific grade and packaging requirements.
Packaging Options
Key Properties
Delivery Info
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) vs. Alternatives
SLS is a high-foaming anionic surfactant. Here is how it compares to SLES and coco betaine across key formulation attributes.
| Attribute | SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) | SLES | Coco Betaine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Irritation Potential | Moderate — avoid sensitive skin | Low — ethoxylated, milder | Very low — amphoteric |
| Foaming | Very high | High | Moderate — foam stabilizer |
| Protein Denaturing | Yes — SDS-PAGE standard | Minimal | None |
| Grades Available | Industrial, USP | Industrial / Technical | Industrial / Technical |
| Relative Cost | Low–Moderate | Low | Moderate–High |
Industries We Supply SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) To
Personal Care Manufacturing
SLS is the standard foaming agent in toothpaste and shampoo produced by personal care manufacturers in Texas.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) supply in Houston, TXPharmaceutical
USP-grade SLS is used as a wetting agent and emulsifier in tablet formulations and topical preparations.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) supply in Austin, TXIndustrial Cleaning
Used in industrial cleaning concentrates, fire-fighting foam, and emulsion polymerization processes.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) supply in Dallas, TXLaboratory & Research
SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) is the standard denaturing agent in SDS-PAGE protein electrophoresis across research institutions.
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) supply in San Antonio, TX