Consider you are a manufacturer of shampoos, liquid soaps, detergents or industrial cleaners, chances are high that you have come across the terms SLES many times. But what is SLES and why does it happen to be so in common in industries?

Among the most frequently utilized anionic surfactants are SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) in the personal care and cleaning product.

It is valued due to its good foaming, cleansing, emulsifying and economical activity.

In this complete pillar guide, we will explain:

• What is SLES
• SLES meaning and full form
• SLES structure and formula
• Is SLES a surfactant?
• SLES 70% and SLES liquid 28%
• Industrial uses of SLES
• Safety & biodegradability
• SLES vs SLS difference
• SLES free meaning
• SLES price and buying guide
• Shelf life, storage & SDS

Let’s begin.

What Does SLES Stand For?

SLES Stands For:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

SLES Meaning

Chemical Structure & Formula of SLES

Understanding the SLES structure helps explain why it performs so well.

SLES Formula

The general chemical formula of Sodium Laureth Sulfate is:

CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)nOSO₃Na

Where:

• “n” represents the number of ethylene oxide units (usually 1–3)
• Sodium (Na) makes it water soluble

SLES Structure

SLES has two main parts:

1. Hydrophobic tail (fatty alcohol chain) – Attracts oil and grease
2. Hydrophilic head (sulfate group) – Attracts water

It is this duality that enables SLES to decompose dirt and oil.

Is SLES a Surfactant?

Is SLES a Surfactant?

Yes. SLES is an anionic surfactant.

SLES Surfactant Properties:

• High foaming power
• Good cleansing ability
• Excellent emulsification
• Mild compared to SLS
• Compatible with other surfactants

Because of these properties, SLES is widely used in:

• Shampoos
• Body washes
• Liquid hand wash
• Dishwash liquids
• Industrial cleaners

Types of SLES (SLES 70%, SLES Liquid 28%)

SLES is available in different concentrations depending on application.

SLES 70%

Also called SLES 70%, this is the most commonly traded grade.

Key Features:

• 70% active matter
• Thick paste form
• Light yellow to colorless
• High concentration

Used for:

• Shampoo manufacturing
• Liquid detergent production
• Hand wash formulation
• Soap industry

SLES Liquid 28%

Also known as SLES liquid 28%.

Key Features:

• 28% active matter
• Clear liquid form
• Easier to handle
• Used in ready-to-dilute systems

Used for:

• Industrial cleaning liquids
• Bulk detergent blending
• Institutional cleaning solutions

Uses of SLES in Industry

SLES Uses Across Industries

SLES chemical is extremely versatile.

1. Personal Care Industry

• SLES shampoo formulations
• Face wash
• Body wash
• Toothpaste
• Shaving foam

SLES creates rich foam and removes oil from hair and skin effectively.

2. Soap & Detergent Industry

• Liquid soap
• Dishwashing liquids
• Laundry detergents
• Surface cleaners

3. Industrial Applications

• Car wash shampoos
• Textile processing
• Emulsion polymerization
• Degreasers

4. Agrochemical Formulations

Used as a wetting and dispersing agent.

Is SLES Safe?

One of the most searched questions is:

Is SLES Safe?

Yes — when used within recommended limits, SLES is considered safe for rinse-off products.

Is SLES Harmful?

• It may cause irritation in very high concentrations.
• In finished cosmetic products, it is diluted and safe.
• Regulatory bodies allow its use with guidelines.

Is SLES Biodegradable?

Yes. SLES is biodegradable, making it environmentally acceptable compared to many older surfactants.

Is SLES Natural?

No. SLES is a synthetic surfactant, however, it is produced by natural fatty alcohol (coconut or palm-based).

SLES vs SLS – What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse SLES with SLS.

SLS vs SLES

Feature	SLS	SLES
Full Form	Sodium Lauryl Sulfate	Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Ethoxylation	No	Yes
Mildness	More harsh	More mild
Irritation	Higher	Lower
Foam	High	High & Creamier

Difference Between SLS and SLES

SLES is basically a modified version of SLS with added ethylene oxide units, making it:

• Milder
• Less irritating
• Better for shampoos

SLES Free Meaning in Shampoo

What Does SLES Free Mean?

“SLES free” means the product does not contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate.

Why Do Brands Use SLES Free Claims?

• Marketing for sensitive skin
• Sulfate-free positioning
• Natural product branding

However, SLES-free does not automatically mean safer. It simply means a different surfactant system is used.

SLES 70 Price & Buying Guide

If you are planning to buy SLES, here’s what you need to know.

SLES Price Factors

SLES 70 price depends on:

• Raw material cost
• Ethylene oxide price
• Crude oil trends
• Supplier location
• Bulk quantity

SLES 70 Price (General Market Trend)

Prices fluctuate based on global demand. Bulk buyers often get better per kg rates.

SLES Liquid Price Per KG

Lower concentration (28%) typically costs less per kg but may not be economical per active matter.

How to Choose a Reliable SLES Supplier

When selecting a SLES supplier, check:

• COA (Certificate of Analysis)
• Active matter percentage
• pH value
• Color & appearance
• Packaging options (HDPE drums, IBC tanks)
• Export documentation
• MSDS/SDS availability

To personal care and detergent manufacturer companies, sourcing is done through experienced suppliers of SLES chemicals, which guarantee quality consistency.

Shelf Life, Storage & SDS

SLES Shelf Life

Typical shelf life of SLES:

• 12 to 24 months (if stored properly)

Storage Conditions

• Store in cool, dry place
• Avoid direct sunlight
• Keep containers tightly closed
• Avoid contamination

SLES SDS (Safety Data Sheet)

The SLES SDS includes:

• Hazard identification
• First aid measures
• Fire-fighting measures
• Handling & storage instructions
• Exposure controls
• Toxicological information

Before purchasing, always request:

• SLES 70 SDS
• Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
• COA

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is SLES used for?

SLES is used in shampoos, liquid soaps, detergents, industrial cleaners, and agrochemical formulations.

2. Is SLES better than SLS?

SLES is less irritating and mild than SLS.

3. Is SLES biodegradable?

Yes, SLES is biodegradable.

4. What is SLES 70?

SLES 70 is an active matter paste-form of concentration 70 percent.

5. What is the shelf life of SLES?

Typically 1224 months with good storage conditions.

Conclusion

So, what is SLES?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a high-performance anionic surfactant that is highly popular and famous because of:

• Excellent foaming
• Strong cleansing
• Cost effectiveness
• Industrial versatility

It is available in SLES 70% and SLES liquid 28%, used in shampoos, detergents, and industrial cleaners worldwide.

To manufacturers, the correct SLES grade and a reliable supplier is a requirement to achieve uniformity in the quality of the product.