What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)?

What is Sodium dodecyl sulfate?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Product Introduction, Technical Specifications & Specification Details

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), with CAS No. 151-21-3, is a versatile and high-performance anionic surfactant that has become an indispensable raw material in multiple industries. Renowned for its excellent foaming, emulsifying, detergency, and wetting properties, SLS is widely used in personal care, household cleaning, industrial processing, and other fields. As a trusted supplier of chemical raw materials, we are committed to providing high-quality SLS products that meet international standards, supporting global partners in optimizing product formulas and enhancing market competitiveness.

Product Overview

SLS, chemically named Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, is a white or pale yellow powder, flake, or granular solid with a slight characteristic odor. It is highly soluble in water, and its aqueous solution exhibits strong surface activity—effectively reducing the surface tension of liquids to achieve efficient cleaning and emulsification. Unlike other surfactants, SLS maintains stable performance over a wide range of pH values (pH 5-10) and temperatures (0-60°C), making it adaptable to diverse production processes and application environments.

The product’s core advantages lie in its balanced cost-performance ratio and multifunctionality: it generates rich, stable foam that enhances the sensory experience of personal care products; its strong detergency removes oil stains and dirt efficiently, suitable for household and industrial cleaning agents; and its excellent emulsifying ability enables uniform mixing of oil-water systems, supporting the production of creams, lotions, and other emulsion products. Additionally, our SLS is produced via a green and environmentally friendly process, with low impurity content and biodegradability, complying with global environmental and safety standards such as REACH (EU) and FDA (US).

Technical Parameters & Specification Details

To meet the diverse needs of different industries and application scenarios, we offer SLS products in multiple specifications, with core technical parameters and specifications as follows:

Parameter Standard Specification Test Method

Active Matter Content ≥ 92.0% GB/T 15963-2021 / ISO 6845:1989

Moisture Content ≤ 3.0% GB/T 6284-2014

Sodium Chloride (NaCl) Content ≤ 2.5% GB/T 3050-2000

Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) Content ≤ 1.5% GB/T 3050-2000

pH Value (1% Aqueous Solution, 25°C) 7.0 - 9.5 GB/T 6368-2008

Free Alkali Content (as NaOH) ≤ 0.2% GB/T 15963-2021

Appearance White to pale yellow powder/flake/granule Visual Inspection

Bulk Density 0.60 - 0.80 g/cm³ GB/T 16913-2008

Particle Size (Mesh) 20-40 Mesh (Standard); Customizable (10-60 Mesh) Sieve Analysis

Heavy Metal (Pb) Content ≤ 10 ppm GB/T 3058-2018

Arsenic (As) Content ≤ 2 ppm GB/T 3058-2018

Key Parameter Interpretation

Active Matter Content (≥ 92.0%): The core indicator determining SLS’s performance. Higher active matter content ensures stronger foaming, detergency, and emulsification. Our product maintains a stable active matter content above 92%, ensuring consistent effectiveness in end products such as shampoos, dishwashing liquids, and industrial cleaners.

Impurity Control (NaCl ≤ 2.5%, Na₂SO₄ ≤ 1.5%): Strict control of sodium chloride and sodium sulfate residues prevents adverse effects such as corrosion on production equipment or irritation to human skin. This makes our SLS suitable for high-end personal care products (e.g., facial cleansers, baby shampoos) and sensitive industrial applications.

pH Value (7.0-9.5): Neutral to slightly alkaline, compatible with most cosmetic and cleaning formulas. It avoids pH-induced instability in products and reduces skin irritation, meeting the safety requirements of daily-use chemical products.

Particle Size Customization: The standard 20-40 mesh particle size ensures rapid dissolution in water, improving production efficiency. For specific processes (e.g., dry mixing, high-viscosity formulations), we offer customizable particle sizes (10-60 mesh) to optimize solubility and dispersion.

Heavy Metal Limits: Compliance with international standards (Pb ≤ 10 ppm, As ≤ 2 ppm) ensures the product’s safety for direct or indirect contact with humans and the environment, supporting global export and market access.

Packaging & Storage Specifications

Packaging Options: To meet different order sizes and transportation needs, we provide flexible packaging:

Small batches: 25 kg/bag (kraft paper bag with polyethylene inner lining, moisture-proof and leak-proof);

Large batches: 1000 kg/jumbo bag (FIBC bag with inner lining, suitable for FCL sea freight);

Custom packaging: Available upon request (e.g., 50 kg/drum, 200 kg/drum) for special application scenarios.

Storage Requirements: Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated warehouse, avoiding direct sunlight and high humidity (relative humidity ≤ 75%). Keep away from strong acids, alkalis, and oxidizing agents. The shelf life is 24 months under proper storage conditions.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

Our SLS products are produced in accordance with ISO 9001 quality management system standards, with a complete quality control process covering raw material inspection, in-process testing, and finished product verification. Each batch of products is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (COA) detailing key technical indicators, ensuring traceability and compliance. We also provide technical data sheets (TDS) to assist customers in formula development and process optimization.

Whether you are looking for high-purity SLS for personal care products, cost-effective options for household cleaning agents, or customized specifications for industrial applications, we can provide tailored solutions. For detailed quotations, sample requests, or technical consultations, please contact our sales team. We look forward to establishing long-term and stable cooperative relationships with global partners!