What is SLS?
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, also known as Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate or SDS) is a strong anionic surfactant valued for its powerful foaming and cleaning performance, available in both powder and liquid forms. Unlike its ethoxylated relative SLES, SLS does not have the ether linkage in its molecular structure, generally giving it stronger detergency and foam generation but a somewhat more aggressive profile, making careful consideration of the target application important when choosing between SLS and SLES.
Polychem Industries supplies SLS in powder grade and liquid grade to toothpaste manufacturers, detergent powder producers, and industrial cleaning product formulators across India and internationally. Its strong, reliable foaming and cleaning performance, combined with its well-established regulatory and safety history in approved applications, make it a foundational surfactant across oral care, detergent, and industrial cleaning product categories.
Available Grades
| Grade | Form | Purity | Standard | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powder Grade (90%+) | White to off-white powder/needles | 90–95% active (powder) / 28–30% active (liquid) | Industrial / Detergent | Toothpaste, detergent powder, industrial cleaners, foam boosters |
| Liquid Grade (28-30%) | Clear to pale yellow liquid | 28-30% active | Industrial / Detergent | Liquid detergents, foam baths, industrial cleaning liquids |
Applications & Uses
Toothpaste Formulations
One of the most significant applications. SLS is widely used in toothpaste formulations as a foaming agent, helping distribute active ingredients throughout the mouth during brushing and providing the foaming sensation consumers associate with effective cleaning.
Detergent Powder Manufacturing
Used as a foam booster and co-surfactant in detergent powder formulations, contributing strong foam generation alongside primary surfactants like LABSA in the overall detergent formulation.
Industrial & Institutional Cleaners
Used in industrial and institutional cleaning formulations requiring strong, reliable foaming and degreasing performance across various hard-surface and equipment cleaning applications.
Foam Boosting in Liquid Formulations
Used as a foam booster in various liquid cleaning and personal care formulations where enhanced foam volume and stability is desired, often in combination with milder primary surfactants.
Laboratory & Research Applications
Used extensively as a laboratory reagent in biochemistry and molecular biology research, including protein analysis techniques such as SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis, due to its well-characterised protein-denaturing properties.
Concrete & Construction Applications
Used in certain concrete admixture formulations as an air-entraining agent, contributing to specific performance characteristics in concrete and construction material applications.
Technical Specifications
SLS — Key Properties
Why Source SLS from Polychem Industries?
- Powder Grade (90%+) and Liquid Grade (28-30%) available
- Certificate of Analysis with confirmed active matter on every batch
- Strong, reliable foaming and cleaning performance
- Reliable bulk supply for toothpaste, detergent and industrial manufacturers
- Competitive pricing with consistent year-round availability
- Export documentation experience for international shipments
