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Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%
HDPE Drums

ELSURFAC – AOS38

Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%

ELSURFACTM – AOS38

Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38% is a biodegradable surfactant widely used in detergents and personal care products. It exhibits excellent foaming, cleaning, and emulsifying properties.

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CAS Number

68439-57-6

HS Code

3402.11.90

Molecular Formula

C₁₄H₂₉NaO₃S

INCI Name

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS)

Home/Products/Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%

Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%

ELSURFACTM – AOS38

Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38% is a biodegradable surfactant widely used in detergents and personal care products. It exhibits excellent foaming, cleaning, and emulsifying properties.

CAS Number

68439-57-6

INCI Name

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS)

HS Code

3402.11.90

Molecular Formula

C₁₄H₂₉NaO₃S

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Need pricing? Request a quote for this product and we'll get back to you shortly.

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Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%
HDPE Drums

ELSURFAC – AOS38

Product Specification

OdorMild odor
Hlb Value11
Viscosity40 mPa·s (liquid)
AppearanceClear to slightly turbid pale yellow powder
Molecular Weight (G/Mol)300.44
Ph (If Aqueous Solution)7-9
Density Or Specific Gravity1.054 g/cm3 at 20℃

Physical Properties

PropertySpecification
OdorMild odor
Hlb Value11
Viscosity40 mPa·s (liquid)
AppearanceClear to slightly turbid pale yellow powder
Molecular Weight (G/Mol)300.44
Ph (If Aqueous Solution)7-9
Density Or Specific Gravity1.054 g/cm3 at 20℃

Thermal Properties

PropertySpecification
Flash Point>100°C
Boiling Point> 100 °C
Melting Point140°C to 580°C

Processing Methods & Reference Formulations

A. Laundry Detergents

When incorporating Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) into laundry detergent formulations, add it to the water phase with gentle stirring to avoid excessive foaming. Use it as a primary or secondary surfactant for excellent cleansing and foaming properties, especially in hard water. Maintain the formulation pH between 7–9 to ensure AOS stability and effectiveness. Avoid high shear mixing after addition to preserve its foaming characteristics.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS)10–25%
Alkali Pentavalent Phosphoric Acid Salt10–30%
Sodium Silicate2–10%
Alkanol0.4–8%
Sodium Sulfate5–20%
Water10-20%

B. Hair Shampoo

When adding Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) to hair shampoo formulations, incorporate it into the aqueous phase under gentle stirring to minimize foaming during mixing. AOS provides strong cleansing and foaming, so it’s often blended with milder surfactants (e.g., betaine) to reduce potential irritation. Maintain the formulation pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for scalp compatibility.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Alpha Olefin Sulphonate3-13%
Amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactant1 to 6%
Cationic conditioning polymer0.05 to 0.9%
Silicone emulsion0.05 to 10%
Water50-60%

C. Cleanser

When formulating with Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS), pre-dilute it before adding to the formulation to reduce viscosity shocks and avoid lump formation. Always add AOS slowly under gentle stirring to maintain clarity and stability.

Key IngredientsIndicative Dosage (% w/w)
Alpha Olefin Sulphonate4-30%
Cocamidopropyl Betaine2-8%
Glycerin1-5%
Water60-70%

Dosing Guidelines

A. Products

ProductsAuthorized dosage
Cosmetics and personal care: Shampoos4–16%
Body Washes4–30%
Laundry Detergents10-25%

About Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) 38% is a high-performance surfactant produced through the sulfonation of alpha olefins. Its linear molecular structure ensures excellent biodegradability, making it an environmentally friendly option for detergent and personal care formulations.


Due to its excellent foaming properties and resistance to hard water, AOS 38% performs exceptionally well in both cold and warm washing conditions. It provides quick wetting, effective emulsification, and superior degreasing power, making it ideal for heavy-duty cleaning products.


In personal care, AOS 38% is valued for its mildness on the skin compared to conventional surfactants like SLS or LAS. It delivers a creamy, stable foam that enhances the sensory experience in shampoos, facial cleansers, and body washes.


Leading alpha olefin sulfonate suppliers ensure consistent quality, high active matter percentage, and compliance with international safety and environmental standards. The product is typically supplied in HDPE drums, iso drums, and iso tanks to meet varying industrial requirements.

SO₃ Sulfonation (Yield ~90–95%)

1. SO₃ Sulfonation (Yield ~90–95%) Raw material: Alpha-Olefins (C14–C16), Sulfur Trioxide (SO₃), Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Overall Formula: C14H28(orC16H32)+SO3+NaOH→Alpha Olefin Sulfonate+H2O

Chlorosulfonic Acid Method (Yield ~85–90%)

2. Chlorosulfonic Acid Method (Yield ~85–90%) Raw material: Alpha-olefins, chlorosulfonic acid, sodium hydroxide Overall Formula: C14H28+ClSO3H+NaOH→ Alpha Olefin Sulfonate +NaCl+H2O

About Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) 38% is a high-performance surfactant produced through the sulfonation of alpha olefins. Its linear molecular structure ensures excellent biodegradability, making it an environmentally friendly option for detergent and personal care formulations.


Due to its excellent foaming properties and resistance to hard water, AOS 38% performs exceptionally well in both cold and warm washing conditions. It provides quick wetting, effective emulsification, and superior degreasing power, making it ideal for heavy-duty cleaning products.


In personal care, AOS 38% is valued for its mildness on the skin compared to conventional surfactants like SLS or LAS. It delivers a creamy, stable foam that enhances the sensory experience in shampoos, facial cleansers, and body washes.


Leading alpha olefin sulfonate suppliers ensure consistent quality, high active matter percentage, and compliance with international safety and environmental standards. The product is typically supplied in HDPE drums, iso drums, and iso tanks to meet varying industrial requirements.

SO₃ Sulfonation (Yield ~90–95%)

1. SO₃ Sulfonation (Yield ~90–95%) Raw material: Alpha-Olefins (C14–C16), Sulfur Trioxide (SO₃), Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Overall Formula: C14H28(orC16H32)+SO3+NaOH→Alpha Olefin Sulfonate+H2O

Chlorosulfonic Acid Method (Yield ~85–90%)

2. Chlorosulfonic Acid Method (Yield ~85–90%) Raw material: Alpha-olefins, chlorosulfonic acid, sodium hydroxide Overall Formula: C14H28+ClSO3H+NaOH→ Alpha Olefin Sulfonate +NaCl+H2O

Regulatory Compliance

RegionMax Allowed LevelNotesCertification Body
European Union2%Not specifically restricted in the EU Cosmetics Regulation.SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety)
United States2%CIR: Safe as used in rinse-off, limit to 2% in leave-on productsFDA
Canada-No statutory maximum-
Japan-For leave on applications, the authorized range of avobenzone is up to 10%.MHLW – Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Australia-Not specifically restricted-
China-Not specifically restrictedNMPA - National Medical Products Administration
Korea, Republic of-Not specifically restrictedMFDS - Ministry of Food and Drug Safety
ASEAN-Not specifically restricted-

FAQs - Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%

What certifications are required for export?
Commonly required: COA, MSDS, REACH compliance (for the EU), and TDS.
How is the product packaged for export?
Drums or IBC tanks with proper labeling and secondary containment.
What are the common challenges in shipping AOS?
Moisture sensitivity, leakage, and ensuring no exposure to extreme temperatures.
Can the product be shipped via air freight?
Yes, but not preferred due to higher costs and the liquid nature of AOS.

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