What is SLES?
SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, also called Sodium Laureth Sulphate) is one of the most widely used anionic surfactants globally, prized for its excellent foaming properties, mildness relative to non-ethoxylated sulphates, and versatility across both personal care and household cleaning product categories. It is typically supplied at 70% active matter as a viscous liquid or paste, produced by the ethoxylation and subsequent sulphation of lauryl alcohol, derived from coconut or palm kernel oil sources.
Polychem Industries supplies SLES at 70% active matter to shampoo and personal care manufacturers, liquid detergent producers, and dishwashing liquid formulators across India and internationally. As one of the most versatile and widely used primary surfactants in both personal care and household cleaning formulations, consistent quality SLES supply is essential across a vast range of consumer and institutional cleaning product categories.
Available Grades
| Grade | Form | Purity | Standard | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detergent Grade 70% | Clear to pale yellow viscous liquid/paste | 69–71% active matter | Industrial / Detergent / Cosmetic | Shampoo, body wash, liquid detergents, dishwashing liquids |
Applications & Uses
Shampoo & Hair Care
One of the most significant applications globally. SLES is the primary foaming surfactant in the vast majority of commercial shampoo formulations, prized for its rich, stable foam, good cleansing performance, and relatively mild profile compared to non-ethoxylated sulphate surfactants.
Body Wash & Shower Gel
Widely used as the primary or co-surfactant in body wash, shower gel, and liquid soap formulations, providing the foaming and cleansing performance expected in these personal care product categories.
Liquid Detergents
Used in liquid laundry detergent formulations as a primary or co-surfactant, contributing strong foaming and cleaning performance, often blended with other surfactants such as LABSA for cost-optimised formulations.
Dishwashing Liquids
Used in manual dishwashing liquid formulations for its excellent foam-generating properties and effective grease-cutting performance, a standard ingredient across most commercial dishwashing liquid brands.
Hand Wash & Liquid Soap
Used in liquid hand soap formulations as the primary foaming and cleansing surfactant, valued for good performance combined with relatively mild characteristics suitable for frequent hand-contact products.
Household & Institutional Cleaners
Used in various household and institutional cleaning product formulations requiring strong, reliable foaming and cleaning performance across a broad range of surface and equipment cleaning applications.
Technical Specifications
SLES — Key Properties
Why Source SLES from Polychem Industries?
- Standard 70% active matter detergent and cosmetic grade
- Certificate of Analysis with confirmed active matter on every batch
- Rich, stable foam performance for shampoo and personal care use
- Reliable bulk supply for personal care and detergent manufacturers
- Competitive pricing with consistent year-round availability
- Export documentation experience for international shipments
