Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES or Texapon)

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), also known as Texapon, is a white or slightly yellow paste-like, translucent chemical. It has a mild odor and is produced by manufacturers in 30% and 70% concentrations. This product is used in the production of detergents and personal care products because it has a good ability to absorb fats and is also soluble in water. This is why detergent manufacturers are particularly interested in using SLES or Texapon. Of course, this substance is used in various industries and therefore the market value of this product was 1.38 billion USD in 2023 and is expected to reach 1.67 billion USD by 2030.

In the following, we want to provide you with more and complete information about Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate. If you are interested in buying this product in bulk, we recommend that you read the rest of this article to make a more informed purchase.

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES): An Overview and Its Physical and Chemical Properties

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant that belongs to the alkyl ether sulfate group. Alkyl ether sulfates are among the most important anionic surfactants. These compounds have a polar or hydrophilic head consisting of two or three ethylene oxide units and a sulfate group. On the other hand, their hydrophobic tail is typically a carbon chain derived from a fatty alcohol. Due to their strong detergency properties, excellent emulsification, and foaming ability, SLES is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products.

The molecular formula of SLES is C₁₂H₂₅(C₂H₄O)_nOSO₃Na. This substance is colorless or slightly yellow, has a characteristic and specific odor, and its molecular weight is 376.5 g/mol. This product is available on the market in two concentrations, 30% and 70%. The 70% model is called SLES 70% or SLES N70 and Texapon N70, and the 30% type is called SLES N30 or Texapon N30.

Texapon N70 is paste-like and is used in the production of transparent cleaning liquids due to its high viscosity. It is derived from natural fatty alcohols. Texapon N30 or pearlescent has lower purity than the 70% model and is used in the production of pearlescent and non-transparent cleaning products such as shampoos. Recently, a powdered form of it has also been prepared and produced.

Production and Manufacturing Process of Texapon

Texapon, or Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), is produced through a process called “ethoxylation.” In this process, lauryl alcohol reacts with ethylene oxide gas, attaching a chain of ethylene oxide units to the hydroxyl group of lauryl alcohol. Here is a brief and concise description of the SLES production steps:

1. Preparation of Lauryl Alcohol: The initial and essential raw material for producing SLES is lauryl alcohol. This substance is obtained through the hydrolysis of coconut oil or palm kernel oil.
2. Ethoxylation Process: In the next step, lauryl alcohol reacts with ethylene oxide gas in the presence of a sodium or potassium hydroxide catalyst. The number of ethylene oxide units that attach to the lauryl alcohol chain varies.
3. Neutralization: The product resulting from the ethoxylation process, which is a mixture of various lauryl ether ethoxylates, is neutralized with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate to produce the sodium salt, which is SLES.
4. Purification: At this stage, SLES must be purified to remove impurities such as water, mineral salts, and by-products of the reaction. The purified SLES is then packaged at concentrations of 30% and 70%.

Applications of SLES (Texapon) in Various Industries

Currently, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) is used in a wide range of industries. Here are some of its applications across different sectors:

• Detergent production: SLES is utilized in the production of shampoos, soaps, dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and industrial cleaners.
• Cosmetics and personal care: Texapon is used in the manufacture of various creams and lotions, hair dyes, toothpaste, and shaving gels. The cosmetics and personal care industry is one of the primary consumers of SLES.
• Textile industry: SLES is employed in dyeing and printing processes as a wetting agent and dye dispersant. It is also used in spinning and weaving to clean fibers and improve the quality of yarn and fabric.
• Pharmaceutical industry: SLES is used in topical medications such as creams and ointments as an emulsifier and skin moisturizer. Additionally, Texapon is used for producing detergents to clean equipment and surfaces in medical and laboratory settings.
• Oil and gas industry: SLES is used in oil extraction processes as an emulsifier to separate oil from water. In oil refining, it helps in removing impurities.
• Agriculture: Texapon is used in fertilizers as a wetting agent to enhance plant nutrient absorption. Moreover, SLES is used in pesticides as an emulsifier to mix pesticides with water and create a stable solution.

Introducing a Leading SLES Manufacturer: Ishtar Company

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate is a widely used surfactant in various industries, including cosmetics, personal care, and detergents. Due to its strong detergency properties, emulsification abilities, and foaming power, SLES is an essential ingredient in numerous products we use daily.

In this competitive landscape, Ishtar Company stands out as a leading SLES manufacturer, committed to providing high-quality and cost-effective Texapon to customers across the Middle East.

Price of SLES or Texapon

Currently, manufacturers of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) consider various factors such as the cost of raw materials, the quality of the final product, the equipment and machinery used, labor costs, and their brand when determining the price of SLES. Ishtar Company, as a producer of this product, has its specific pricing strategy. Due to currency fluctuations and other factors, it is not possible to provide a fixed price for Texapon at this time. If you wish to know the exact price of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate, please call (+971) 524403255, and the specialists at Ishtar Company will provide precise pricing information.

Ishtar Company: A Specialized Supplier of Texapon Throughout the Middle East

The widespread and diverse applications of SLES have led to the presence of numerous suppliers worldwide. If you are interested in purchasing high-quality Texapon, it is recommended to turn to professional, reputable, and experienced suppliers.

Ishtar Company is one of the reputable and experienced suppliers of SLES in the Middle East. The company provides Texapon in 220 kg and 170 kg drums. The minimum order quantity for this product at Ishtar Company is one container or one truck, and delivery is available on CFR, CPT, and FOB terms to countries in the Middle East.

The price of this product at Ishtar Company is fully negotiable. If you wish to place an order with Ishtar Company, please call (+971) 524403255, and the company’s specialists will provide you with all the necessary information and register your purchase order.