Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) Supplier South Africa

What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is the sulphate ester of lauryl alcohol (C12) neutralised with sodium hydroxide, producing one of the most effective foaming anionic surfactants known. Unlike SLES, SLS is not ethoxylated, giving it a simpler molecular structure, lower molecular weight, and higher active content in powder form. Powder SLS (90%) is the most concentrated and cost-effective form for powder detergent and toothpaste manufacturing.

Performance Characteristics

SLS is a powerful primary surfactant with excellent foaming, emulsification, and soil suspension. In powder detergent blending it provides a clean white, free-flowing base that dispenses rapidly in the wash. In toothpaste it generates the foam that consumers associate with cleaning efficacy. In industrial applications, SLS is used in high-foaming hand cleaners, heavy-duty workshop soaps, and industrial carpet shampoos where maximum foam presence is a quality indicator.

Supply and Regulatory Notes

Terracore Chemicals supplies both 90% powder SLS and 28–30% liquid SLS in cosmetic and technical grades. SLS is more irritating than SLES and is not recommended as the sole surfactant in formulations with prolonged skin contact. We advise formulators on appropriate substitution with SLES or co-surfactant mitigation for products with a milder skin-feel requirement.