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Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) 26 % is an anionic surfactant – an ethoxylated derivative of lauryl alcohol, which is subsequently sulfated and neutralised to the... read more
75,61 € incl. VAT
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) 26 % is an anionic surfactant – an ethoxylated derivative of lauryl alcohol, which is subsequently sulfated and neutralised to the sodium salt. The base is a fatty alcohol (often from coconut/palm sources) that is ethoxylated (addition of ethylene oxide) and then undergoes sulfation; the result is a high-foaming detergent with wide application in cosmetics and household/personal care products.The 26 % concentration means it is an aqueous solution with approximately 26 % active surfactant matter (the remainder is water and accompanying components typical for this type of raw material). SLES is known for strong foam generation and good cleansing performance, which is why it is often used as the base for shampoos, shower gels and liquid soaps; the mildness of the finished product is usually improved by combining it with amphoteric surfactants (betaines), non-ionic surfactants and humectant ingredients.
Betaines improve the creaminess and stability of the foam and at the same time make the cleansing profile milder. The blend is usually more pleasant on the skin and its viscosity is often easier to adjust.
SLES is an ethoxylated sulfate and typically shows different foaming and viscosity behaviour compared with SLS, and it is often perceived as “milder” in use. In practice, however, mildness is always determined by the entire surfactant system, pH, fragrance and preservation.
Surfactant systems reach a maximum viscosity at a certain salt concentration. If you exceed this, the micelles change and the viscosity decreases. Dose the salt in small increments and always allow the mixture to become fully mixed.
Yes, it is often used specifically in clear gels. However, clarity is influenced by the fragrance, solubilisation system, surfactant ratio, thickening and pH, so it is advisable to fine-tune the formula at the end and carry out stability tests.
Adding an amphoteric co-surfactant, reducing the overall level of active surfactants, supplementing with humectants and, in hair products, using conditioning polymers can help. A properly adjusted pH is also important.
See also other surfactants available from Handymade.sk.