Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Synonyms: Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, SDS, Dodecyl Sodium Sulfate
CAS No.: 151-21-3
Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S
Molecular Weight: 288.38 g/mol
1. Product Description
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant with excellent detergency, emulsification, and foaming properties. It appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder, needle, or granule, and is readily soluble in water.
It is widely used in personal care, pharmaceutical, detergent, and industrial cleaning formulations.
2. Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|
| Appearance | White or off-white powder / needles |
| Odor | Characteristic, mild fatty odor |
| Assay (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, on dry basis) | ≥ 95.0 % |
| Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) | ≤ 2.0 % |
| Sodium Chloride (NaCl) | ≤ 0.5 % |
| Moisture (105 °C, 2 h) | ≤ 3.0 % |
| Unsulfated Matter | ≤ 1.0 % |
| Active Matter (as SLS) | ≥ 85.0 % (typical 90–95%) |
| pH (1% aqueous solution, 25 °C) | 7.5 – 9.5 |
| Color (5% solution, Hazen) | ≤ 20 |
| Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | ≤ 10 ppm |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤ 1 ppm |
| Total Plate Count | ≤ 1000 cfu/g |
| E. coli | Negative |
| Salmonella | Negative |
| Staphylococcus aureus | Negative |
3. Typical Applications
| Industry | Applications |
|---|
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | Shampoos, toothpaste, body wash, facial cleansers, shaving creams |
| Pharmaceuticals | Tablet coatings, emulsifiers, solubilizers |
| Household & Industrial Cleaners | Laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, car wash, industrial degreasers |
| Textile & Leather | Wetting and cleaning agent |
| Emulsion Polymerization | Used as emulsifier or dispersant |
4. Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Appearance | White powder or needles |
| Odor | Mild characteristic |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and ethanol |
| Surface Tension (0.5% solution, 25 °C) | ≤ 40 mN/m |
| Foaming Power (0.5% solution) | High, stable foam |
| Density | 0.5 – 0.6 g/cm³ (bulk) |
| Melting Point | 204 – 207 °C (decomposition) |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions; incompatible with strong oxidizers |
5. Packaging
| Type | Net Weight |
|---|
| Multi-layer kraft paper bag with PE liner | 25 kg |
| Jumbo bag | 500 – 1000 kg |
6. Storage & Handling
Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Keep container tightly closed to avoid moisture absorption and caking.
Avoid contact with eyes and skin; handle with gloves and mask in dust form.
Shelf life: 24 months in unopened packaging.
7. Safety Information
Hazard Classification: Eye & skin irritant (Category 2)
Toxicity: Low oral toxicity; avoid inhalation of dust.
Regulatory Compliance:
Cosmetic Grade: Complies with USP/NF, EP, FCC, and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
Industrial Grade: Complies with GB/T 15963, ISO 9001 standards
For more information, please visit this website:https://www.khonorchem.com