SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE- ▸ Cleansing & foaming agent: primary surfactant in personal care and cleaners
- ▸ Emulsifier: emulsion polymerization and formulation
- ▸ Wetting & dispersing agent: textile and metal processing
- ▸ Laboratory reagent: protein denaturation for SDS-PAGE
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 lauryl sulfate is a high-foaming anionic surfactant that acts as an emulsifier, wetting and dispersing agent. It is a primary cleansing and foaming ingredient in personal-care products, household and industrial cleaners and degreasers, and it serves as an emulsifier in emulsion polymerization and a wetting agent in textile and metal processing. In the laboratory it denatures proteins for electrophoretic separation (SDS-PAGE).
Regulatory & registration requirements
- TSCA (US):
- REACH (EU):
- EC number: 205-788-1
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:
- Dye Fixing & Soaping Agents for Wash-Fast Color (Textiles)
- Pipeline Cleaning, Gel-Pig & Commissioning Chemicals (Oil, Gas & Mining)
- Dust Suppressants for Haul Roads & Stockpiles (Oil, Gas & Mining)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common name for sodium lauryl sulfate?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, CAS 151-21-3) is also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and as sodium dodecyl/lauryl sulphate. It is an anionic surfactant with the formula C12H25NaO4S. RawSource supplies it as a foaming and cleansing surfactant base.
What is sodium lauryl sulfate used for?
SLS is a high-foaming anionic surfactant used in shampoos, toothpastes, household detergents, and industrial cleaners, and as a wetting and emulsifying agent. It is also widely used as a laboratory reagent. RawSource supplies it as a surfactant base for personal-care and cleaning formulations.
What is the difference between sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate?
SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) is the non-ethoxylated alkyl sulfate; sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is the ethoxylated ether sulfate carrying EO groups. SLES is generally milder-foaming and more soluble in dilute systems. Confirm the exact identity and grade against the CoA.
What forms and grades of SLS does RawSource supply?
SLS is available as needle/powder solids and as aqueous solutions (commonly around 30% active for liquid grades); grade and active content vary by source. RawSource supplies bulk bags, drums, totes, and IBCs. Request a CoA to confirm form, active content, and specifications.
What is the cost of bulk sodium lauryl sulfate and how do I order?
Bulk pricing depends on grade, form (solid vs. liquid), volume, and packaging. RawSource quotes per-load pricing for drums, totes, IBCs, and pallet quantities. Contact us with your grade and volume for a current bulk quote and CoA/SDS.
What is the REACH and TSCA regulatory status of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) (CAS 151-21-3) 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 205-788-1).
What is the molecular weight of Sodium Lauryl sulfate (SLS)?
The molecular weight of Sodium Lauryl sulfate (SLS) is 288.38 g/mol (PubChem).
What is the molecular formula of Sodium Lauryl sulfate (SLS)?
The molecular formula of Sodium Lauryl sulfate (SLS) is C12H25NaO4S.
What is the CAS number of Sodium Lauryl sulfate (SLS)?
The CAS number of Sodium Lauryl sulfate (SLS) is 151-21-3.
What is the INCI name of Sodium Lauryl sulfate (SLS)?
The INCI name of Sodium Lauryl sulfate (SLS) is SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE.