Why This Foaming Ingredient Powers Global Cleaning Product Formulas
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is one of the most widely used foaming and cleansing agents in the global chemical industry, forming the backbone of most shampoos, shower gels, dish soaps, and household cleaning formulas worldwide. The compact 50 g package is well suited for home experimentation, small trial batches, and testing formulations before committing to larger volumes. This ingredient belongs to the broad category of Surfactants, which covers all types of cleansing and foaming agents used across cosmetics and household chemistry.
The primary function of Sodium Laureth Sulfate is generating rich, stable foam and effectively removing oily residue from skin, hair, and surfaces. It is extensively used in shampoo production, facial cleansers, shower gels, dish washing liquids, car shampoos, and concentrated household cleaning formulas. Thanks to its good water solubility, the ingredient is easily incorporated into water-based formulas during the main mixing stage, at temperatures not exceeding 40-45 degrees Celsius to preserve its foaming structure. Recommended usage levels in finished cosmetic formulas typically range from 5 to 15 percent of total product mass, depending on desired foam density and cleansing power.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate pairs well with milder surfactants, which helps reduce irritation potential and improve overall skin tolerance of the finished product. It is frequently combined with amphoteric and non-ionic agents such as Ercamid, which softens the cleansing action and creates a creamier lather. For formulas emphasizing gentler, plant-derived cleansing, it blends nicely with PROTEOL APL, adding extra mildness to the composition. Another popular pairing is with PLANTAPON, which helps create more balanced formulas incorporating plant-based cleansing components.
In industrial-scale production, this surfactant is valued for maintaining stable foam performance even in hard water and for its compatibility with thickeners, fragrances, preservatives, and pearlizing additives. Store the ingredient in a tightly sealed container, in a dry area at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, to preserve its physical properties throughout its shelf life.
Trial Batch Citrus Dish Soap
Distilled water 300 ml
Sodium Laureth Sulfate 40 g
Ercamid 10 g
Salt 5 g
Citrus fragrance oil 3 ml
Preservative 2 ml
Dissolve
Sodium Laureth Sulfate in warm water while stirring slowly until fully uniform,
then add Ercamid and continue mixing gently to avoid excessive foaming. Blend
in the preservative, then gradually add salt in small increments while
monitoring the thickness of the mixture. Finally, at a temperature below 35
degrees Celsius, add the citrus fragrance, stir thoroughly, and pour the
finished gel into bottles.