Surfactants - Anionic Available — Bulk Only

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

SLES
CAS 3088-31-1 · Formula C16H33NaO6S · MW 376.5 g/mol

A high-foaming ethoxylated sulfate surfactant that anchors cleansing and detergent systems. Used as a primary foaming and cleansing surfactant in shampoos, bubble baths, and household and industrial detergents.

Request SDS
HS Code
3402.39
At a Glance
Material Family
Surfactants - Anionic
Record Type
Pure compound
Primary Role
Cleaning / Degreasing · Surfactancy
Functional Roles
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
CLEANSINGFOAMINGSURFACTANT - CLEANSINGSURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Applications & Use Cases
  • Personal care: Primary surfactant in shampoos and bubble baths
  • Household detergents: Foaming and cleansing surfactant
  • Industrial cleaners: Anionic surfactant base
Safety & Handling
Full SDS available on request

A grade-specific Safety Data Sheet (SDS) — with the complete hazard classification, handling precautions, and transport information — is supplied with every shipment and available on request. Confirm all safety and regulatory details against the SDS for your specific grade.

Request SDS →
HS / Tariff Classification
Harmonized System (HS) Code — 6-digit international heading
3402 . 39
Chapter 34
Soap, organic surface-active agents, washing and lubricating preparations, waxes
Heading 34.02
Internationally harmonized (WCO HS)
Subheading 3402.39
6-digit international code — national tariff line adds further digits
Chemical Identity
CAS Number
3088-31-1
Molecular Formula
C16H33NaO6S
Molecular Weight
376.5 g/mol
IUPAC Name
sodium 2-(2-dodecoxyethoxy)ethyl sulfate
INCI Name
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
PubChem CID
InChI Key
GUQPDKHHVFLXHS-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Synonyms & Trade Names
Sodium 2-(2-dodecyloxyethoxy)ethyl sulphate Tergentol Sodium lauryl di(oxyethyl) sulfate Sodiumlaurylglycolether sulfate Diethylene glycol monolauryl ether sulfate sodium salt sodium laureth-2 sulfate Sodium lauryloxyethoxyethyl sulfate Diethylene glycol monododecyl ether sodium sulfate Sodium dioxyethylenedodecyl ether sulfate 2-(2-Dodecyloxyethoxy)ethyl sodium sulfate Lauristyl diglycol ether sulfate sodium salt Sodium lauryl alcohol diglycol ether sulfate DIETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOLAURYL ETHER SODIUM SULFATE Sodium diethylene glycol dodecyl ether sulfate Lauryl diethylene glycol ether sulfonate sodium Diethylene glycol monododecyl ether sulfate sodium salt PEG-(1-4) Lauryl ether sulfate, sodium salt
Full Description

Sodium laureth sulfate (CAS 3088-31-1, SLES), an ethoxylated anionic surfactant. Used as a primary foaming and cleansing surfactant in shampoos, bubble baths, and household and industrial detergents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) used for?

SLES (CAS 3088-31-1) is an ethoxylated anionic surfactant used as a primary foaming and cleansing surfactant in shampoos, bubble baths, and household and industrial detergents. RawSource supplies it as a raw-material surfactant base to formulators.

Is sodium laureth sulfate the same as sodium lauryl sulfate?

No. Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is ethoxylated, while sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is not; the ethoxylation gives SLES different foaming and solubility behavior. They have different CAS numbers and are not drop-in interchangeable. Specify CAS 3088-31-1 for SLES.

What active concentrations and grades are available?

SLES is commonly supplied at active levels such as 28% and 70%; the higher-active paste is more concentrated for shipping while the 28% solution is ready-to-use. Specify your target active percentage and feedstock requirements, and a Certificate of Analysis is provided with each lot.

What is the HS code for sodium laureth sulfate?

It is classified under HS 3402.39 (anionic organic surface-active agents, other). Confirm the final tariff classification with your customs broker for your destination country.

How is bulk SLES packaged and quoted?

It is supplied as solution or paste in drums, IBCs/totes, and bulk depending on the active concentration. Provide your required active level and quantity to receive a bulk quote with a Certificate of Analysis and SDS.

Disclaimer. Information on this page — including properties, identifiers, hazard, transport (DOT/UN) and tariff (HS) classifications, and applications — is provided for general reference and is compiled from authoritative public sources (e.g. PubChem/ECHA, 49 CFR 172.101, the Harmonized Tariff Schedule). Values are typical and are not a guaranteed specification; the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for the lot purchased governs. Products are sold for industrial and professional use only. Nothing here is a medical, health, or efficacy claim or advice. Always consult the current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before handling, storage, transport or disposal, and confirm regulatory status, classification and suitability for your application and jurisdiction. Hazard, transport and tariff classifications must be verified for your specific shipment. RawSource makes no warranty, express or implied, and assumes no liability for use of this information. Trademarks. Third-party trademarks and brand names are the property of their respective owners; any reference is nominative — used only to identify a comparable product — and does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.