SLES CAS 68585-34-2

What Is SLES?

SLES stands for Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate.

In China, most people call it “AES.”

It’s the upgraded version of SLS.

Think of it as SLS wearing a soft coat.

How Is It Different from SLS?

Here’s the simple version.

Scientists added something called “ethylene oxide” to SLS.

This creates a longer molecule chain.

What does that mean for you?

The product becomes milder. Less irritating to skin.

It also dissolves better in water.

And it makes even more foam.

Why Is SLES So Popular?

Walk into any supermarket.

Pick up a shampoo. Or a shower gel. Or dishwashing liquid.

Check the ingredients.

SLES is probably in the top three.

Reason 1: Good balance.

It cleans well, but doesn’t hurt skin too much.

Reason 2: Affordable.

Not the cheapest. Not expensive. Just right.

Reason 3: Easy to work with.

It thickens easily with salt.

It mixes well with other ingredients.

Formulators love it because it’s not fussy.

Understanding the “EO” Number

When you buy SLES, you’ll see “2EO” or “3EO.”

What does this mean?

EO = Ethylene Oxide. It’s the “soft coat” we mentioned.

2EO:

Shorter coat. Slightly stronger cleaning.

A little less gentle. Cheaper.

Good for dishwashing liquid and household cleaners.

3EO:

Longer coat. More gentle on skin.

Better foam quality. Slightly more expensive.

Preferred for shampoo and body wash.

Quick rule:

For dishes and floors, use 2EO.

For hair and skin, use 3EO.

The Elephant in the Room: 1,4-Dioxane

Let’s talk about the scary word.

During SLES production, a tiny amount of 1,4-Dioxane can form.

This is a byproduct. Not added on purpose.

Is it dangerous?

In high amounts, yes. It’s a potential carcinogen.

Should you panic?

No. Good manufacturers control it to very low levels.

International standards require less than 10 ppm (parts per million).

The best suppliers achieve less than 5 ppm.

What should you do?

Ask your supplier for a Certificate of Analysis (COA).

Check the 1,4-Dioxane number.

If they can’t provide it, find another supplier.

Common Problems and Solutions

Problem: My SLES turned into jelly in winter.

SLES thickens or freezes in cold weather.

This is normal. It doesn’t mean the product is bad.

Solution: Warm it up gently. It will become liquid again.

Or ask for a version with lower freezing point.

Problem: I added salt but it won’t thicken.

Too little salt? Add more slowly.

Too much salt? You’ve passed the peak. It actually gets thinner.

Salt thickening follows a curve. Find the sweet spot.

Problem: The color is yellowish.

Possible causes: High iron content. Poor bleaching. Old stock.

Light yellow is usually okay for colored products.

For clear products, demand water-white grade.

Buying Tips

Concentration matters.

SLES usually comes in 70% or 28% active matter.

70% is like concentrated juice. You add water later.

28% is already diluted. Easier to handle but more shipping cost.

Calculate which is better for your situation.

Check the pH.

Fresh SLES should be around pH 7-8.

If pH drops below 6, it may have started to break down.

This happens with old stock or bad storage.

Packaging choices.

• 170kg drums: Easy to handle. Higher cost per kilo.
• IBC tanks (1000kg): Good balance for medium factories.
• Bulk tanker: Cheapest per kilo. Need storage tanks.

The Bottom Line

SLES is the workhorse of the personal care industry.

It’s everywhere because it just works.

Not too strong. Not too weak.

Not too expensive. Not too cheap.

If you’re starting a cleaning or personal care business, SLES is your best friend.

Just remember to check the 1,4-Dioxane level and choose the right EO number.