Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) 70% is a foundational ingredient for formulators in the personal care and household cleaning industries. Its effectiveness stems from its excellent surfactant properties, but achieving optimal performance requires an understanding of its handling and formulation characteristics. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD provides essential tips for formulators working with SLES 70%.

Concentration Levels: The typical usage concentration for SLES 70% in rinse-off personal care products like shampoos, body washes, and liquid soaps ranges from 1% to 30%. For leave-on products, much lower concentrations are used. The exact percentage depends on the desired foaming, cleansing, and viscosity. When formulating with SLES, it's crucial to start with recommended ranges and adjust based on performance testing. The goal is to achieve the desired efficacy without causing irritation, which is why understanding the benefits of sodium lauryl ether sulfate in specific applications is key.

Compatibility: SLES 70% is an anionic surfactant and exhibits excellent compatibility with other anionic, non-ionic, and amphoteric surfactants. This wide compatibility allows for the creation of synergistic blends that can enhance properties like foam stability, viscosity, and mildness. For example, combining SLES with cocamidopropyl betaine (an amphoteric surfactant) is a common practice to create milder, more conditioning cleansing systems. Understanding these interactions is vital when understanding SLES vs SLS, as SLES offers greater formulation flexibility.

pH Considerations: SLES is stable across a wide pH range, typically between 4.0 and 10.0. However, it is most stable and performs optimally in slightly acidic to neutral pH conditions (around 5.0-7.0). Extreme pH levels, especially highly acidic or alkaline conditions, can lead to hydrolysis of the sulfate ester, reducing its effectiveness. Formulators should monitor and adjust the pH of their formulations accordingly, especially when incorporating other ingredients that might alter the overall pH.

Viscosity and Thickening: SLES 70% solutions typically have a relatively low viscosity. To achieve desired product thickness, especially in shampoos and body washes, co-surfactants like fatty alcohol ethoxylates (e.g., AES) or amides (e.g., CMEA) are often used. Salt (sodium chloride) can also be used as a thickener, but its effectiveness is dependent on the overall formulation. Careful adjustment of these components is necessary to achieve the perfect texture.

Mildness and Skin Sensitivity: While SLES is considered milder than SLS, formulators can further enhance its mildness by using lower concentrations, incorporating specific co-surfactants, or adding skin-conditioning agents. This is crucial when developing products targeted at consumers with sensitive skin or when aiming for a premium feel. NINGBO INNO PHARMCHEM CO.,LTD can provide guidance on selecting the right co-ingredients to optimize product mildness.

By adhering to these formulation tips, manufacturers can unlock the full potential of SLES 70%, creating effective, appealing, and consumer-friendly products that meet market demands for performance and quality.