SLES 70%

Description

• Chemical Composition: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is an ethoxylated derivative of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). It is produced by the ethoxylation of dodecyl alcohol, followed by the sulfation of the resulting ether, and neutralization with sodium.
• Appearance: SLES 70% is typically a clear or slightly yellowish viscous liquid at room temperature. The “70%” refers to the concentration of active surfactant in the solution.
• Properties: SLES is known for its excellent foaming, emulsifying, and cleansing properties. It is less irritating to the skin compared to SLS, making it a popular choice in personal care formulations.

Uses

• Personal Care Products: SLES 70% is widely used in shampoos, body washes, bubble baths, and facial cleansers for its ability to create a rich lather and effectively remove oils and dirt from the skin and hair.
• Household Cleaning Products: It is used in dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and all-purpose cleaners due to its strong cleaning and degreasing capabilities.
• Industrial Cleaners: SLES is employed in various industrial cleaning applications where effective removal of oils and soils is needed.

Benefits

• Effective Cleaning: SLES 70% is highly effective at breaking down and removing oils and dirt, making it an excellent choice for both personal and industrial cleaning products.
• Good Foaming Properties: It produces a rich and stable foam, which enhances the user experience in personal care products like shampoos and body washes.
• Mildness Compared to SLS: SLES is generally milder on the skin than SLS, reducing the risk of irritation and making it suitable for a wide range of products intended for regular use.
• Cost-Effective: SLES is an economical surfactant, providing excellent performance at a relatively low cost, which makes it popular in mass-market products.
• Versatile: Its compatibility with other ingredients and effectiveness in various formulations make it a versatile ingredient in the formulation of both personal care and cleaning products.

Steps for Formulating

1. Measure 143 grams of SLES 70% for your 1000-gram batch to achieve a 10% active SLES concentration.
2. Add other ingredients:
   • Water: to make up the remaining weight of the batch.
   • Other active ingredients: based on the formulation requirements.
   • Preservatives: to ensure product stability and safety.
   • Fragrances and dyes: as desired, ensuring they are safe and compatible with other ingredients.
3. Mix thoroughly to ensure homogeneity and check the pH level. Adjust the pH if necessary, as SLES can be slightly acidic.
4. Test the formulation: Perform stability and efficacy tests to ensure that the product is safe and effective.

Example Formulation Outline

For a basic shampoo, you might have a formulation like:

• SLES 70%: 143 grams (for 10% active SLES)
• Water: 800-850 grams (adjust as needed)
• Cocamidopropyl Betaine: 50 grams (as a secondary surfactant)
• Conditioning Agents: 20 grams
• Preservatives: 1-5 grams
• Fragrance and Dye: as desired

Tips

• Compatibility: Ensure all ingredients are compatible and stable together.
• Testing: Conduct proper testing to ensure safety and efficacy.

Safety: While SLES 70% is widely used, it is important to ensure that formulations containing it are well-balanced to minimize any potential irritation, especially in products intended for sensitive skin.