Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) for Industrial Buyers in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda
Finstar
In Stock

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES)

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant primarily derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, used to reduce surface tension and enable effective cleaning and foaming.

Technical Specifications

CAS Number68891-38-3
Chemical FormulaC12H25(OCH2CH2)xOSO3Na
AppearanceViscous pale yellow to amber liquid
Active Matter ContentApproximately 28-30%
pH (10% aqueous solution)7-9
Packaging170kg drums, intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), bulk supply available
Storage ConditionsCool, dry, ventilated chemical storage away from acids

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) — Specifications, Uses & Availability

Product Overview

Product NameSodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES)
CategorySoaps and Detergents
AvailabilityIn Stock — Ready for Dispatch

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Available Packaging Options

170kg drums
Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs)
Bulk supply

Need a different pack size or bulk tanker delivery? Request a custom quote.

About Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES)

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant primarily derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, used to reduce surface tension and enable effective cleaning and foaming. It is presented as a viscous, pale yellow to amber liquid suitable for industrial formulations. The typical industrial-grade SLES offered contains an active matter concentration of approximately 28-30%, facilitating consistent performance in detergent manufacturing. This chemical is supplied in 170kg drums and intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), with bulk supply options available to accommodate various procurement scales. Buyers should note that SLES must be stored in cool, dry, and well-ventilated environments, separated from acids due to potential incompatibility. Handling precautions include avoiding exposure to temperatures exceeding 40°C to maintain its stability and effectiveness.

External references: PubChem · Wikipedia

Why Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) Matters

In detergent and cleaning formulations, SLES provides efficient dirt removal by lowering water's surface tension, allowing formulation of products with high foam volume and stability. Its foaming and emulsifying properties contribute to the performance of shampoos, body washes, and industrial cleaners by enhancing cleaning action without excessive harshness on surfaces or skin. Additionally, the use of SLES helps manufacturers create products with improved sensory properties such as smooth texture and easy rinsing, essential for consumer acceptance and regulatory compliance in hygiene product manufacturing environments. Controlling the dosage, typically between 10-30% in formulations, is critical to optimizing cost and ensuring formulation stability.

Applications

Detergent FormulationSLES lowers surface tension in detergents, increasing cleaning efficiency and enabling thorough removal of dirt and oils in household and industrial cleaning agents.
Personal Care ProductsIt acts as a foaming agent and emulsifier in shampoos and body washes, providing creamy lather while being gentle on the skin.
Industrial CleanersIn industrial cleaning agents, SLES supports removal of oils, greases, and particulate matter from machinery and surfaces without excessive chemical residues.
Emulsification in Chemical ProcessesSLES helps stabilize emulsions between water and oil phases in products requiring consistent texture and performance during manufacturing.
Foaming Agent in CosmeticsUtilized to enhance foam volume and texture in cosmetic formulations, improving user experience and product spreadability.
Metal CleaningEffective in removing oily and particulate contaminants from metal surfaces prior to further processing or coating.
Laundry DetergentsProvides efficient sudsing and soil removal from fabrics, enhancing washing performance in both manual and machine laundering.
Car Wash DetergentsGenerates persistent foam and facilitates grime removal from vehicle surfaces without damaging paint finishes.
Hard Surface CleanersAssists in dispersing dirt and grease from floors and walls, providing thorough cleaning with minimal residue.
Cosmetic Shampoo BasesForms the foundation of shampoo formulations by delivering foaming and cleansing properties essential for scalp and hair care.
Dishwashing LiquidsContributes to grease-cutting and foam stability in manual dishwashing products.
Textile ProcessingActs as a wetting and emulsifying agent during fabric washing and finishing stages to improve process efficiency.
Emulsion Polymer ProductionUsed as a surfactant to stabilize emulsion polymerization reactions, ensuring uniform polymer particle size.
Paint and Coating FormulationsEnhances dispersion of pigments and resins in water-based paints for improved texture and application properties.
Agricultural Chemical FormulationsFunctions as a wetting and spreading agent in pesticide and herbicide formulations to aid active ingredient delivery.

Benefits

Consistent Cleaning PerformanceEnsures reliable reduction of surface tension, resulting in effective dirt and grease removal in products.
Enhanced FoamingGenerates stable and voluminous foam that improves product attractiveness and perceived efficacy.
Formulation FlexibilityCompatible with a variety of raw materials, allowing versatile integration into different product types.
Supply ReliabilityAvailability in multiple packaging formats reduces risk of production interruptions.
Ease of HandlingPresented as a viscous liquid, simplifying dosing and mixing during manufacturing processes.
Process EfficiencyImproves emulsification and dispersion, reducing formulation time and enhancing uniformity.
Improved Product TextureContributes to smoothness and richness in personal care products, aiding consumer acceptance.
Stability in StorageMaintains specification over time under recommended conditions, preserving formulation integrity.
Regulatory Compliance FacilitationSupplier adherence to regional safety requirements supports customer regulatory obligations.
Cost PredictabilityConsistent active matter content aids precise cost calculations in formulation budgets.
Technical Documentation AvailabilityAccess to COA and handling information mitigates risks during procurement and production.
Reduction of Harsh ChemicalsEnables formulation of milder products by improving cleaning efficiency with lower aggressive agents.
Improved RinseabilityEnhances ease of removal from surfaces and skin, preventing residue build-up.
Supports Sustainability GoalsUsed in formulations designed for biodegradability and environmental safety profiles.
Technical AssistanceFinstar provides guidance optimizing chemical use, reducing formulation failures and waste.

Features

Industrial-Grade ConcentrationFormulated to contain about 28-30% active matter, optimizing performance in manufacturing applications.
Viscous Liquid FormSupplied as a viscous liquid facilitating easy mixture with other ingredients in formulation processes.
Standardized Packaging OptionsAvailable in 170kg drums and IBCs catering to both small-scale and large-volume procurement needs.
Batch TraceabilityEach batch is documented to allow tracking and quality verification throughout the supply chain.
Certificates of Analysis (COA) AvailableDetailed analysis documents can be provided upon request to verify chemical specifications.
Compatible with Water-based SystemsDesigned to blend effectively in aqueous-based formulations such as detergents and shampoos.
Foaming Agent FunctionalityDelivers stable foam critical for consumer product acceptance and cleaning effectiveness.
Emulsifying CapabilitySupports stable dispersions of oil and water phases in diverse formulations.
Storage StabilityMaintains chemical integrity when stored under recommended cool, dry, ventilated conditions.
Non-toxic in Application ConcentrationsSuitable for use in personal care products at regulated usage levels without adverse effects.
Regulatory Compliance SupportManufactured to meet regional chemical safety and handling standards applicable in East Africa.
Bulk Supply AvailabilitySupports high-volume industrial demands with supply options suitable for manufacturing scale.
Technical Support ProvidedTechnical assistance is available to optimize formulation and handling practices.
Stable pH RangeOperates effectively at near-neutral pH levels, facilitating formulation stability.
Low Sensitization PotentialFormulated to minimize irritation concerns in end-use personal care applications.

Industries Served

Household Detergent ManufactureUsed in producing laundry and dishwashing products that require effective cleaning and foaming.
Personal Care Product ManufactureEssential ingredient in shampoos, body washes, and liquid soaps for consumer hygiene applications.
Industrial Cleaning ChemicalsIntegral in formulations for degreasing and surface cleaning agents in manufacturing settings.
Paint and Coating ProductionEmployed as a surfactant to enhance pigment dispersion and coating stability.
Agricultural Chemical FormulationUsed in pesticide and herbicide formulations to improve wetting and spreading characteristics.
Textile ProcessingApplied during fabric cleaning and finishing stages to improve wettability and soil removal.
Metal ProcessingInvolved in cleaning metal surfaces to remove oils and particulates before further manufacturing steps.
Cosmetics ManufacturingUsed to create foaming and cleansing agents in cosmetic products requiring mild surfactants.
Car Wash Product ManufactureFormulates surfactant blends for vehicle cleaning formulations ensuring effective dirt removal.
Personal Hygiene ProductsKey in liquid soaps and body cleansers designed for safe, effective skin cleansing.
Emulsion PolymerizationStabilizes latex particles in polymer production, enabling consistent polymer quality.
Hard Surface Cleaner ProductionIncorporated into formulations designed to eliminate grease and dirt from floors and walls.
Laundry ServicesUsed by industrial laundries in cleaning agent formulations optimizing soil removal efficiency.
Food Processing Plant SanitationUsed in cleaning agents that comply with hygiene standards for food contact areas.
Oil and Gas Cleaning ApplicationsEmployed in degreasing formulations for equipment maintenance and operational cleanliness.

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) is supplied by Finstar to industrial buyers across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Read our chemical safety guides for handling best practices.

Delivery Coverage Across Kenya’s Counties

Finstar is a leading supplier of industrial chemicals across Kenya’s counties. Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) is dispatched from our Nairobi Industrial Area warehouse to businesses nationwide — including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru counties — plus cross-border delivery to Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda. Towns we regularly supply include:

NairobiMombasaKisumuNakuruEldoretThikaRuiruKiambuMachakosNaivashaNyeriMeruKerichoKakamegaKitaleMalindiNanyukiAthi RiverVoiKilifi

Delivering to a different town or county? Request a quote and our logistics team will confirm delivery timelines to your location.

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