Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Supplier South Africa

What Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is an ethoxylated alkyl sulfate anionic surfactant produced by ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol followed by sulphation and neutralisation. The ethoxylation step — typically 2 or 3 ethylene oxide units — improves water solubility, softens the irritancy profile, and increases tolerance to hard water and electrolytes compared to its non-ethoxylated counterpart SLS. These properties make SLES the dominant surfactant active in liquid homecare and personal care products globally.

Formulation Performance

SLES produces dense, stable, aesthetically pleasing foam at low concentrations (10–20% in final formulation) and readily builds viscosity with salt (sodium chloride) or with co-surfactants such as cocamide DEA. Its hard water tolerance and wide compatibility with co-surfactants, thickeners, and fragrances make it the easiest primary surfactant to work with for new product development. SLES-2 (2 EO) is preferred for industrial cleaning; SLES-3 (3 EO) for cosmetic and personal care applications.

Grades and Packaging

Terracore Chemicals supplies 28% and 70% SLES in cosmetic and industrial grades, in drums, IBCs, and bulk tanker quantities. The 70% paste grade offers lower freight cost per active kilogram; the 28% solution is ready to use with no dilution or heating required. We supply both grades to soap and cleaning product manufacturers, contract formulators, and private-label producers across South Africa.