SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE- ▸ Personal care: Primary surfactant in shampoos and bubble baths
- ▸ Household detergents: Foaming and cleansing surfactant
- ▸ Industrial cleaners: Anionic surfactant base
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 →Sodium laureth sulfate (CAS 68891-38-3, SLES), an ethoxylated anionic surfactant. Used as a primary foaming and cleansing surfactant in shampoos, bubble baths, and household and industrial detergents.
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 221-416-0
Source: EPA TSCA Inventory (July 2025 release) · ECHA CHEM — retrieved 2026-07-12
Solutions Using This Product
Process-solution guides on this site that specify this chemistry:
- Filter Aids & Dewatering Surfactants for Mining (Oil, Gas & Mining)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) used for?
SLES (CAS 68891-38-3) 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 68891-38-3 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.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) (CAS 3088-31-1) is subject to U.S. TSCA Inventory requirements; supplying it into the EU requires valid REACH registration ((EC) No 1907/2006). RawSource cannot verify a third-party supplier's registrations — buyers should require documented TSCA and REACH compliance for their jurisdiction and volume (EC 221-416-0).