Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, often referred to as SLS, or K12 is a widely employed surfactant found in a variety of household cleaning detergents, personal care products, and cosmetics. This palm kernel or coconut-derived anionic surfactant stands out for its perfect balance of price and performance and is chiefly used as a detergent, emulsifier, and foaming agent in a wide range of products.
In recent years, SLS has been a popular choice as a foam booster in household detergents, and it’s been a dominant primary surfactant in toothpastes. Despite its beneficial properties, SLS has been a subject of controversy due to its mild irritant effects; when left on the skin for prolonged periods, it can cause slight irritation. However, it’s generally considered safe for use in skincare and cosmetics because the contact with the skin is fleeting.
- Excellent solubility in water, making it faster to dissolve in production and easier to rinse off in use.
- Great compatibility with other surfactants, resulting in great formulating flexibility.
- Outstanding foaming and cleaning ability, with good resistance to hard water.
- Particularly suitable for making high-quality toothpastes.
Stable at a wide pH range, except in strong acid and alkali.
Pack in tight-closed bags; Store in a dry, ventilated and cool place; Kept away from direct sun and water.
Under proper storage conditions, the shelf life of SLS is 24 months.
The recommended dosage of SLS in detergents and personal care products is 1.0%-20.0%.
- Sodium monododecyl sulfate
- Sodium dodecyl sulphate
- SDS
- SLS
- K12
| Items | Standards |
|---|---|
|
Classification
|
Anionic surfactant
|
|
Appearance (25℃)
|
White to yellowish powder or needles
|
|
Odor
|
No odor
|
|
Active matter content, %
|
≥ 92
|
|
Unsulfated matter content, %
|
≤1.5
|
|
Sodium sulfate content, %
|
≤ 3.5
|
|
Sodium chloride content, %
|
≤ 0.15
|
|
pH value(1% aq.sol)
|
8.0~10.5
|
|
Whiteness(wb)
|
≥ 90
|
|
Color(Hazen, 5%Am.aq.sol)
|
≤ 10
|
|
Water content, %
|
≤ 5.0
|
|
Heavy metal content, ppm
|
≤ 20
|
|
Arsenic(Pb) content, ppm
|
≤3
|
