What is the difference between SLES and SLS?

SLS is sodium lauryl sulphate; SLES is sodium lauryl ether sulphate, made by ethoxylating the alcohol before sulphating it. SLES is generally milder on skin and eyes, which is why most shampoos and body washes use SLES rather than SLS.

How to dissolve SLES paste in water?

Use warm water at about 40 to 50 °C and add the 70% paste to the water slowly, stirring gently. Don't pour a little water onto the paste; it forms a stiff gel. Let the mix rest overnight for foam to settle.

How much SLES is used in shampoo?

Many shampoos and body washes are formulated around 10 to 15% active SLES. With 70% paste that is roughly 15 to 20 g per 100 g of shampoo. Add a co-surfactant such as cocamidopropyl betaine for mildness.

How do I thicken an SLES hand wash?

Add common salt as a 20% solution in water, a little at a time, stirring between additions. The liquid thickens up to a point, then thins again if you add too much, so go slowly and stop at the right body.

Is SLES safe for hair and skin?

SLES is widely used in rinse-off shampoos and washes. At high levels it can dry or irritate sensitive skin, so balance it with milder co-surfactants, keep the pH suitable and patch test the finished product.

Is SLES the same as a sulphate-free cleanser?

No. SLES is a sulphate. Sulphate-free products use alternatives such as coco glucoside, decyl glucoside or sodium cocoyl isethionate. If you want to label a product sulphate-free, it must not contain SLES or SLS.

SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate): Uses, Safety

SLES, or sodium lauryl ether sulphate (sodium laureth sulphate), is an anionic surfactant that cleans and makes rich foam. It is the main cleaning ingredient in many shampoos, body washes, hand washes and dishwash liquids. In India it is usually sold as a thick, pale paste of about 70% active content.

Last updated 7 Nov 2026

Sodium lauryl ether sulphate (SLES) price today →हिंदी में पढ़ें

Specifications

CAS number: 9004-82-4
Grades: Cosmetic
Hindi name: सोडियम लॉरिल ईथर सल्फेट

Products and pack sizes

Product	Grade	Pack	Price (incl. GST)	₹ per kg
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES)	Cosmetic	—	₹249	—

What is SLES?

SLES is sodium lauryl ether sulphate, also written as sodium laureth sulphate. It is made by ethoxylating lauryl alcohol and then sulphating it. It foams well, cleans grease and is milder on skin than SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate).

INCI name: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
CAS number: 9004-82-4 (other numbers are also used for specific chain lengths)
Type: anionic surfactant
Common form: 70% active paste, white to pale yellow, sometimes sold as a 28% liquid

It is a mixture of molecules with different chain lengths, so the formula varies.

Grades and pack sizes at Azlok

Azlok lists SLES under cosmetic raw ingredients, for shampoos, body washes, hand washes and similar products. The listing doesn't state the active percentage or pack size, so check the product page or certificate before you calculate a formula. See today's price per kg.

Common uses

Personal care

Shampoos, body washes, shower gels and liquid hand wash
Bubble bath and foaming face washes, often combined with milder co-surfactants

Home care

Dishwash liquid and gel
Floor and general surface cleaners, car shampoo

Industry

Textile processing, and foaming agent in some industrial products

How to use it

Working with 70% paste. The paste is thick and dissolves slowly. Add it to warm water (about 40 to 50 °C) a little at a time while stirring slowly. Never add a small amount of water to the paste; it forms a stiff gel. Let it stand overnight so the foam settles.

Typical amounts. Many rinse-off shampoos and body washes are formulated with around 10 to 15% active SLES. With a 70% paste, 15 to 20 g per 100 g of product gives about 10 to 14% active. Dishwash liquids often use more. Treat these as typical starting points.

Thickening with salt. SLES formulas thicken when common salt is added. Add it as a 20% salt solution in small steps, stirring between additions. Past a point, more salt makes the liquid thin again.

Mildness. Adding cocamidopropyl betaine or coco glucoside makes the product gentler and the foam creamier. Adjust the finished pH to around 5.5 to 7 for personal care.

Safety and storage

The concentrate irritates eyes and skin. Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling the paste. If it gets in your eyes, rinse with plenty of water for 15 minutes.
Spills are very slippery. Wipe up with plenty of water.
SLES can carry traces of 1,4-dioxane from manufacture. Reputable suppliers control this; ask for the certificate if you make products for sale.
Patch test any finished product on a small area of skin for 24 to 48 hours before regular use.
Store tightly closed, away from heat and direct sun. Avoid freezing.
Keep away from children.
Dilute small amounts with plenty of water before pouring down the drain.

If you sell finished cosmetics in India, the product must meet BIS standards and CDSCO rules for cosmetics, including labelling. Check the current requirements before launch.

Choosing the right grade and pack

For home batches of hand wash or dishwash, a small pack is enough to work out your formula. Check the active content before you buy more, because a 70% paste and a 28% liquid need very different amounts.

Soap and detergent makers producing regularly, needing 25 kg or more, can send a bulk inquiry.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SLES and SLS?: SLS is sodium lauryl sulphate; SLES is sodium lauryl ether sulphate, made by ethoxylating the alcohol before sulphating it. SLES is generally milder on skin and eyes, which is why most shampoos and body washes use SLES rather than SLS.
How to dissolve SLES paste in water?: Use warm water at about 40 to 50 °C and add the 70% paste to the water slowly, stirring gently. Don't pour a little water onto the paste; it forms a stiff gel. Let the mix rest overnight for foam to settle.
How much SLES is used in shampoo?: Many shampoos and body washes are formulated around 10 to 15% active SLES. With 70% paste that is roughly 15 to 20 g per 100 g of shampoo. Add a co-surfactant such as cocamidopropyl betaine for mildness.
How do I thicken an SLES hand wash?: Add common salt as a 20% solution in water, a little at a time, stirring between additions. The liquid thickens up to a point, then thins again if you add too much, so go slowly and stop at the right body.
Is SLES safe for hair and skin?: SLES is widely used in rinse-off shampoos and washes. At high levels it can dry or irritate sensitive skin, so balance it with milder co-surfactants, keep the pH suitable and patch test the finished product.
Is SLES the same as a sulphate-free cleanser?: No. SLES is a sulphate. Sulphate-free products use alternatives such as coco glucoside, decyl glucoside or sodium cocoyl isethionate. If you want to label a product sulphate-free, it must not contain SLES or SLS.