SLES vs SLS: Choosing a Surfactant for Shampoo and Detergents
Sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) are two of the most widely used surfactants in personal care and cleaning products. Their names are almost identical, and both create strong foam and cleaning power, but they are not interchangeable. Here is how they differ and how to choose.
What is the difference?
Both are anionic surfactants made from fatty alcohols, typically from coconut or palm kernel oil. The difference is an extra processing step: SLES is ethoxylated, which adds a short chain to the molecule. That change makes SLES noticeably milder on skin and eyes while keeping excellent foaming and cleansing.
Side-by-side comparison
- Mildness: SLES is gentler. SLS is stronger and more likely to irritate sensitive skin.
- Foam: both foam very well. SLS gives a dense, quick foam; SLES gives a rich, stable lather.
- Common forms: SLES is usually supplied as a liquid (around 28% active) or a concentrated paste (around 70% active). SLS is often supplied as needles or powder, which suits dry products, and also as a liquid.
- Thickening: SLES responds well to salt thickening, which makes it easy to build viscosity in shampoos and body washes.
Which should you use?
Choose SLES for
- Shampoos, body washes and liquid hand soaps
- Dishwashing liquids
- Any product used frequently on skin
Choose SLS for
- Toothpaste and powder products, where a dry surfactant is needed
- Laundry powders and heavy-duty cleaners
- Industrial uses such as wetting agents and foaming in construction and textiles
Make formulas milder with CAPB
Many formulators blend SLES with cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB). The combination improves mildness, foam stability and thickness compared with SLES alone, and it is the standard base for most shampoos and body washes.
SLES 28% or SLES 70%?
SLES 70% is a concentrated paste that saves on shipping and storage and is diluted on site, which suits larger manufacturers. SLES 28% is ready to use and easier to pump, which suits smaller production runs.
Buy surfactants in bulk in Malaysia
MDNR Resources supplies SLES 28% and 70%, SLS and CAPB in drums, IBCs and bulk, with SDS and COA. Tell us your product and volumes through our Request a Quote form.