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In the ingredient list of cosmetics and personal care products, sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are two common names. Although they are both anionic surfactants and play an important role in cleaning products, they differ significantly in structure, properties and applications.
Chemical property
SLS (Sodium lauryl sulfate) : SLS is a single, long-chain alkyl sulfate with a relatively simple molecular structure. It is known for its strong cleaning power, but this also means that it is relatively irritating to the skin and eyes. SLS is commonly used in products with high cleaning requirements, such as shampoos and body washes.
SLES (Sodium lauryl ether sulfate) : Unlike SLS, SLES contains 1-3 polyoxyethylene units in its molecular structure, which makes its molecular structure more hydrophilic and water-soluble. As a result, SLES provides a cleansing effect while being relatively less irritating to the skin and eyes. In addition, SLES also has a good foaming and thickening effect and is commonly used in products such as face washes and baby shampoos that require a gentle cleaning effect.
Application field
Because of its excellent cleaning capabilities, SLS is widely used in industrial cleaners and personal care products that require high intensity cleaning. In the daily chemical industry, SLS is often used in shampoo, body wash, etc., to ensure the cleaning effect of the product.
The gentleness and good foaming properties of SLES make it ideal for facial cleansers, baby shampoos, and certain cosmetics and skin care products. In addition, SLES is used in many industries such as liquid detergents, textiles, paper, leather, machinery and oil extraction.
Safety and sensitivity
While both SLS and SLES have been evaluated for safety and are generally considered safe, some people may have an allergic reaction to SLS, which manifests as symptoms such as skin irritation, redness, or itching. For this group of people, it may be more appropriate to choose products containing SLES.
For sensitive and dry skin, prolonged use of SLS may cause discomfort. In contrast, SLES is less irritating and more suitable for these skin types.
As a company specializing in fine chemicals such as surfactants, amines, phenols, alcohols, acrylics, intermediates and functional additives, Dotachem understands the importance of different ingredients in a wide range of applications. When making and selecting personal care products, understanding the differences between SLES and SLS is critical to ensuring product safety and effectiveness.
Whether it's an industrial application that requires high-intensity cleaning, or cosmetics and skin care products that manufacture gentle cleaning effects, Dotachem offers high-performance products that meet your needs. If you have any questions or requirements about Dotachem products, please feel free to contact us at info@dotachem.com.
