Product description

Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA) is an anionic surfactant in the form of a fine powder, which is often used in “sulfate-free” formulations for rich lather and good cleansing performance. Chemically, it is a sulfoacetate ester of lauryl alcohol (C12), produced by reacting lauryl alcohol with a sulfoacetate group and subsequently neutralizing it to the sodium salt.
In practice, it is especially popular in solid shampoos, fizzy bath products and powder cleansing blends, because it is easy to dose and can create pronounced foam even in combination with milder co-surfactants. Compared with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), it is a different molecule – SLSA is not “SLS”, even though the names can be confusing.

Key benefits

• Pronounced foaming – produces rich lather, suitable for solid and powder cleansing products.
• Sulfate-free – does not belong to the classical sulfates (SLS/SLES).
• Good cleansing performance in surfactant blends.
• Powder form – easy dosing and suitability for solid products.
• Synergy with milder surfactants – helps boost foam in combination with glucosides and amphoteric surfactants.

Suitable for products such as

• Solid shampoos and solid cleansing bars for the body.
• Bath foams in solid form (bubble bars).
• Fizzy bath bombs – for a foaming effect (depending on the formulation).
• Powder cleansing blends and “foaming” powders for hands/body.
• Exfoliating sticks and solid products where you want more foam.

Use in formulation

• Soluble in: water (disperses and dissolves in the surfactant/aqueous phase); insoluble in oils.
• Blendable with: powder and liquid surfactants; suitable in combination with Lauryl Glucoside, Coco-Betaine/Cocamidopropyl Betaine or sarcosinates to balance mildness and foam.
• Compatible with: common auxiliaries in solid products (starches, clays, butters, waxes) – you adjust the final hardness and foaming by the ratio of surfactants to fillers.
• Dosage (approximate): in solid shampoos and cleansing bars it is typically used as one of the main foaming components; percentages are tuned according to the desired hardness, foaming and mildness.
• Processing tip: when working with the dry powder, minimize dust (respirator/mask, slow mixing); in solid products it helps to first blend SLSA with the other powders and only then add the liquid components.

Safety and storage

• Avoid inhalation of dust; when handling, use respiratory protection and work in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid contact with eyes; in case of eye contact, rinse with water.
• Store in a tightly closed container, in a dry place, away from sources of moisture and heat.
• For sensitive skin and for face/intimate hygiene products, it is recommended to choose a milder surfactant system and to test the final formulation.

FAQ

Also check out other surfactants available from Handymade.sk.

Download