The “Old Engineer” Intro
If you have a pot full of heavy grease, who do you call? You call SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate). In the industry, we often call it K12. It is the grandfather of surfactants. It is strong, direct, and a bit rough.
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It Cleans Hard, But It Bites
Think of SLS like a steel wool pad. It removes oil incredibly fast. That is why we use it in floor cleaners, engine degreasers, and heavy-duty industrial washes.
- The downside: It is a bit harsh. If you put too much in a hand soap, your skin will feel dry and itchy.
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Powder vs. Needles: A Safety Tip
If you are a buyer, you will see two forms: Powderand Needles.
- Powder: It is cheaper. But let me tell you, it is dusty. When your workers open the bag, the dust flies everywhere. It makes people sneeze and irritates the nose.
- Needles: It looks like small white rice noodles. No dust. It dissolves just as well.
- My advice: Spend a little extra for Needles. Your workers will thank you, and you won’t waste product in the air.
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Why is it in my Toothpaste?
You might ask, “If it’s harsh, why is it in toothpaste?”
Because it foams like crazy. Consumers think Foam = Clean. SLS creates that mouthful of bubbles. In small amounts, it is safe. But for leave-on skin products? I wouldn’t recommend it.
The Takeaway: Use SLS for heavy grease and industrial jobs. Avoid it for sensitive skin products.
