Pure Sles 70%

Texapo SLES 70% refers to a commercial form of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), a widely used surfactant in various cleaning, personal care, and industrial products. Texapo is a brand name for a specific commercial formulation of SLES.

Chemical Overview

• Full Name: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) 70%
• Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₅O₄SNa
• Molecular Weight: 314.38 g/mol
• CAS Number: 68585-34-2

What is SLES 70%?

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is a synthetic anionic surfactant primarily used for its foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying properties. The "70%" refers to the concentration of the active ingredient in the solution, meaning it is a 70% aqueous solution of SLES, with the remaining 30% typically being water and trace amounts of other ingredients or stabilizers.

SLES is produced by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol (derived from coconut or palm oil) to form lauryl ether alcohol, which is then sulfated to produce the sodium salt form. It is commonly used in formulations such as shampoos, body washes, dishwashing liquids, and other personal care products.

Properties of Texapo SLES 70%

1. Appearance: Clear to slightly cloudy viscous liquid
2. Odor: Mild, typically neutral or slightly soapy
3. Color: Light yellow or off-white
4. pH (1% solution): Typically between 7 and 9, depending on formulation and supplier
5. Density: Around 1.05–1.10 g/cm³ at 25°C (varies slightly based on formulation and concentration)
6. Solubility: Soluble in water, very effective as a surfactant in aqueous solutions

Common Applications

1. Personal Care Products:

   • Shampoos
   • Body washes
   • Facial cleansers
   • Toothpaste
   • Hand soaps

   In these applications, SLES is valued for its ability to produce rich foam, cleanse skin and hair by breaking down oils, and improve the texture of formulations.

2. Household Cleaners:

   • Dishwashing liquids
   • Surface cleaners
   • Laundry detergents

   SLES is used for its ability to break down grease, dirt, and oils, making it effective in household cleaning products.

3. Industrial Uses:

   • Emulsifying agents in paints, coatings, and other industrial formulations.
   • Oilfield chemicals and certain applications in textile processing.

4. Pharmaceuticals:

   • SLES is sometimes used in small quantities as a surfactant in certain pharmaceutical preparations, though its use is carefully controlled due to its potential irritation properties.

Benefits of SLES 70% in Formulations

• Foam Generation: SLES is an excellent foam booster, giving personal care products like shampoos and body washes a rich, dense lather.
• Cleaning Power: Its strong cleansing ability makes it ideal for breaking down oils, grease, and dirt.
• Cost-Effective: SLES is cheaper to produce compared to other surfactants, which makes it a popular choice in consumer products.
• Versatility: It can be used in a wide range of formulations, including those for personal care, industrial, and cleaning products.

Safety and Handling

• Irritation Potential: SLES can be an irritant to the skin and eyes, particularly in higher concentrations. Proper formulation and use are essential to minimize irritation. This is why SLES is typically diluted in consumer products, often at concentrations around 10-20% in the final product.
• Handling Precautions: When working with SLES 70%, it should be handled with care, wearing appropriate PPE such as gloves and eye protection. In industrial settings, adequate ventilation should be ensured.
• Stability: SLES 70% is generally stable but can degrade when exposed to high temperatures or long periods of exposure to air, light, or extreme pH conditions.

Environmental Impact

• Biodegradability: SLES is biodegradable in the environment, though it can pose a risk to aquatic life in large quantities. In consumer formulations, it is often used in conjunction with other ingredients to reduce its potential environmental impact.
• Sustainability: The production of SLES can involve petrochemical-derived feedstocks or palm/coconut oil, so sourcing sustainable and ethical raw materials is important for minimizing environmental concerns.