SLES 28 – 25L
Chemical Composition:
SLES 28 consists of a sodium salt of lauryl ether sulfate, made up of 28% active SLES and 72% water. It is a mixture of ethoxylated fatty alcohols, which provides it with excellent surfactant properties.
Key Features:
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Surfactant Properties:
SLES 28 acts as a powerful surfactant. Its hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling) qualities make it highly effective at emulsifying, foaming, and cleansing. Consequently, it is widely used in various personal care products. -
Foaming Agent:
In addition to its cleansing properties, SLES 28 excels at producing foam. It’s commonly found in shampoos, body washes, and liquid soaps, where it creates a rich lather. This lather ensures the product distributes evenly and cleanses effectively. -
Emulsifier:
As an emulsifier, SLES 28 helps mix oil and water-based ingredients in cosmetic formulations. This action creates stable, uniform products. -
Cleaning Agent:
Not just limited to personal care, SLES 28 is also used in household cleaning products. It effectively removes grease, stains, and dirt from various surfaces, making it a staple in dishwashing and laundry detergents.
Common Uses:
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Skin and Hair Care:
When used in skincare and haircare products, SLES 28 helps remove sebum, dirt, and pollutants. This leaves the skin and hair feeling clean and refreshed. However, because it can sometimes cause dryness, it’s often combined with gentler surfactants or conditioning agents to mitigate potential irritation. -
Household Cleaning:
SLES 28 is also valuable in household cleaning products. It aids in breaking down grease and grime on kitchen and bathroom surfaces, making cleaning easier and more effective.
Safety Considerations:
While SLES 28 is generally safe when used as directed, individuals with sensitive skin may experience dryness or irritation with products containing higher concentrations. If this happens, it’s best to choose products with lower concentrations of SLES or opt for sulfate-free alternatives.
Environmental Impact:
The production and disposal of SLES 28 can impact the environment. As such, manufacturers should prioritize sustainable sourcing practices, and consumers should dispose of products containing SLES responsibly to minimize environmental harm.
Regulation:
SLES 28 is regulated in many countries to ensure its safety in cosmetics and cleaning products. Therefore, it must adhere to safety and labeling requirements that protect consumers.
Labeling:
When listed on product labels, SLES 28 may appear as “Sodium Laureth Sulfate” or “Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate.”
Summary:
SLES 28 is a versatile surfactant commonly used in personal care and cleaning products due to its foaming and cleansing properties. It’s generally safe for most users, but those with sensitive skin should opt for products with lower concentrations or sulfate-free alternatives. To ensure safety and effectiveness, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.