Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) - also called sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or K12 - is a powerful anionic surfactant (CAS 151-21-3, C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S) made by sulfating lauryl alcohol, derived from coconut or palm. It is a high-foaming detergent and emulsifier best known as the primary foaming agent in toothpaste, and as a workhorse cleanser in shampoos, body washes, powdered detergents and industrial cleaners. It is supplied as needles, powder, granules (~90% active) or a ~28–30% liquid.

SLS is the non-ethoxylated 'parent' of Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES): chemically similar but stronger and more stripping, which makes it the surfactant of choice where high foam and detergency matter, such as toothpaste and powders, while SLES is the milder choice for leave-on-adjacent skin products. Elchemy is a trusted SLS supplier, manufacturer partner and distributor, delivering cosmetic/USP and technical grades in every form to buyers across 40+ countries, with a COA on every batch and samples within 24–48 hours.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) Suppliers, Manufacturers & Distributors

Elchemy is a trusted SLS supplier, manufacturer partner and distributor, serving oral-care, personal-care, home-care and industrial cleaning manufacturers across the USA, UK, UAE and 40+ countries. Every sodium lauryl sulfate manufacturer in our network is pre-audited, so you get consistent cosmetic/USP or technical-grade SLS - needles, powder or liquid - with a Certificate of Analysis on every batch.

Where to Buy Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) in Bulk

Looking for where to buy SLS in bulk? Elchemy supplies bulk sodium lauryl sulphate - needles, powder and liquid - from trial quantities to full container loads, in cosmetic, USP/pharmaceutical and technical grades, with US domestic stock for faster delivery. Submit the quote form with your form, grade and volume for pricing within 24–48 hours.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Price: Bulk Pricing & Price per Kg

The sodium lauryl sulphate price moves with lauryl-alcohol feedstock from coconut or palm, active-matter grade, form and volume, so Elchemy quotes live rather than publishing a fixed rate. Buyers benchmark the SLS price per kg for trial lots and the per-MT rate for contracts. Request a quote for an exact figure within 24–48 hours.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Manufacturing Process

SLS is produced by sulfating lauryl (dodecyl) alcohol - derived from coconut or palm-kernel oil - with sulfur trioxide (SO₃) or chlorosulfonic acid, then neutralising the sulfate ester with caustic soda to form the sodium salt, which is dried to needles or powder, or supplied as a liquid.

Key raw materials are lauryl alcohol, sulfur trioxide and caustic soda. Every batch Elchemy supplies is tested for active matter, unsulfated matter and inorganic salts, with a COA per order.

Grades & Forms

• Needles (≥90% active) - toothpaste and powders; fast dissolving with low dust
• Powder (≥90% active) - dry blends, toothpaste and powdered detergents
• Granules (≥90% active) - low-dust handling
• Liquid (28–30% active) - ready-to-use liquid cleansers
• USP / Pharmaceutical - toothpaste, tablets and pharmaceutical use as an excipient or wetting agent

SLS vs SLES: Which to Choose

These two are constantly compared, and the difference comes down to one ethoxylate group:

• SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate, CAS 151-21-3) - not ethoxylated, stronger and more stripping. Supplied as needles, powder or ~28% liquid. Best for toothpaste, powders and industrial cleaning.
• SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) - ethoxylated with 2–3 EO, which makes it milder. Supplied as a 70% paste or liquid. Best for shampoo, body wash and facial cleansers.

Buy SLS in Bulk - Packaging & Logistics

SLS needles and powder ship in 25 kg kraft or PE bags and 500–700 kg jumbo bags; liquid SLS ships in drums and IBC totes.

US domestic stock supports faster fulfilment. Material from other origin countries typically transits 24–28 days to the US East Coast, on FOB, CIF or DDP terms. Store sealed in a cool, dry, ventilated place - the powder is mildly hygroscopic and dust should be minimised during handling.

Why Choose Elchemy as a Trusted SLS Supplier

• Every form and grade - needles, powder, granules and liquid; cosmetic/USP and technical grades from one partner
• Full documentation - COA, TDS and GHS SDS with every order; Halal, Kosher and vegan or RSPO declarations on request
• Samples in 24–48 hours - qualify form and grade before any bulk order
• Tailored options - custom active levels and packaging via custom manufacturing

Safety & Handling

SLS is a skin and eye irritant in concentrated form, and the powder can irritate the respiratory tract as dust. Handlers should wear gloves, goggles and a dust mask, avoid creating dust clouds, and work with ventilation.

In finished rinse-off products at normal use levels it is well tolerated and is FDA-permitted for cosmetic and oral-care use. Flush with water on contact. A full GHS-aligned SDS ships with orders.

Production Technique and Raw Materials

Made by sulfation of lauryl alcohol, derived from coconut or palm-kernel oil, with SO₃ or chlorosulfonic acid, followed by neutralisation with caustic soda and drying. Key raw materials are lauryl alcohol, sulfur trioxide and caustic soda.

Tentative Side Effects

In rinse-off products at normal levels SLS is well tolerated, but as a strong surfactant it can dry or irritate skin and eyes on prolonged or concentrated contact, which is why sensitive-skin and sulfate-free ranges often choose milder alternatives. It is not carcinogenic; the common concern relates to irritation potential, not toxicity, at cosmetic use levels.