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Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%
HDPE Drums

Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%

ELSURFACTM – AOS38

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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

HS Code

3402.11.90

INCI Name

Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS)

Molecular Formula

C₁₄H₂₉NaO₃S

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

Get Pricing for This Product

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

Speed Up Your Sample Testing Process

We deliver domestic samples within 24 - 48 hours, helping you evaluate products and move to procurement without delays.

Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) 38%
HDPE Drums

Product Specification

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

Physical Properties

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

Thermal Properties

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

Why Source Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) Through Elchemy?

  • Verified AOS Manufacturer Network: Every alpha-olefin sulfonate producer in the Elchemy network is pre-audited for active content, colour, and consistency before onboarding. You deal with one accountable partner for personal care and industrial grades, and we manage supplier risk.
  • Bulk Supply with Transparent Pricing on an Actives Basis: Source AOS (CAS 68439-57-6) from samples up to drums, IBCs, and bulk powder, priced per kg on an actives basis and scaled to your volume, with a binding quote within 24 business hours.
  • AOS 38 Liquid & AOS 92 Powder, Fully Documented: Choose liquid AOS 38–40% or high-active 92–93% powder/needles, matched to your formulation; every order ships with COA, TDS, and GHS-compliant SDS.
  • Personal Care & Detergent Grades: Cosmetic-grade for shampoos, body wash, and mild cleansers; industrial-grade for laundry, dish, and hard-surface cleaning — including readily biodegradable grades for eco-positioned products.
  • Samples Dispatched in 24–48 Hours: Validate foam, mildness, and performance before bulk commitment. COA-backed samples of liquid or powder AOS are dispatched within 24–48 hours of confirmation.
  • 40+ Country Reach with Market-Ready Compliance: Elchemy delivers worldwide with COA, SDS, and regulatory documentation for personal care and home-care applications.

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.

Why Source Alpha-Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) Through Elchemy?

  • Verified AOS Manufacturer Network: Every alpha-olefin sulfonate producer in the Elchemy network is pre-audited for active content, colour, and consistency before onboarding. You deal with one accountable partner for personal care and industrial grades, and we manage supplier risk.
  • Bulk Supply with Transparent Pricing on an Actives Basis: Source AOS (CAS 68439-57-6) from samples up to drums, IBCs, and bulk powder, priced per kg on an actives basis and scaled to your volume, with a binding quote within 24 business hours.
  • AOS 38 Liquid & AOS 92 Powder, Fully Documented: Choose liquid AOS 38–40% or high-active 92–93% powder/needles, matched to your formulation; every order ships with COA, TDS, and GHS-compliant SDS.
  • Personal Care & Detergent Grades: Cosmetic-grade for shampoos, body wash, and mild cleansers; industrial-grade for laundry, dish, and hard-surface cleaning — including readily biodegradable grades for eco-positioned products.
  • Samples Dispatched in 24–48 Hours: Validate foam, mildness, and performance before bulk commitment. COA-backed samples of liquid or powder AOS are dispatched within 24–48 hours of confirmation.
  • 40+ Country Reach with Market-Ready Compliance: Elchemy delivers worldwide with COA, SDS, and regulatory documentation for personal care and home-care applications.

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%

Where can I buy alpha-olefin sulfonate (AOS)?
You can buy AOS through Elchemy, a B2B platform supplying verified cosmetic- and industrial-grade surfactant worldwide. Submit your form (38% liquid or 92% powder), quantity, and destination on this page for a documentation-backed quote within 24 business hours.
What is the price of alpha-olefin sulfonate?
AOS is priced per kilogram on an actives basis, varying with form (liquid 38% vs powder 92%), volume, packaging, and destination. Elchemy issues a live quote against your specification rather than a fixed list price.
Can I buy AOS in bulk, and what is the MOQ?
Yes. Elchemy supplies AOS from sample quantities up to drum, IBC, and bulk-powder volumes for personal care and detergent manufacturers. MOQ varies by form and packaging — share your requirement for exact figures and lead time.
What is the difference between AOS 38 and AOS 92?
AOS 38 (or 38–40%) is a liquid surfactant with that active content, convenient for direct blending; AOS 92–93% is a high-active powder or needle form, economical to ship and dilute. Elchemy supplies both — choose by formulation and logistics.
What is alpha-olefin sulfonate used for?
AOS is an anionic surfactant used as a foaming and cleansing agent in shampoos, body washes, and personal-care cleansers, and in laundry, dish, and industrial detergents. It is valued for strong foam and good performance in hard water.
Do you supply eco-friendly or readily biodegradable AOS?
AOS is recognised as readily biodegradable, and Elchemy can source grades suited to eco-positioned personal care and cleaning products. Confirm your specification and any certification requirement when requesting a quote.
Can I request a sample of AOS for formulation?
Yes. COA-backed samples of liquid or powder AOS are dispatched within 24–48 hours, so formulators can validate foam, mildness, and compatibility before bulk orders.
What documentation comes with an AOS order?
Every order includes COA, TDS, and SDS as standard, with personal-care and home-care regulatory documentation and REACH support available on request.

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