LAO LDAO - Lauryl Dimethyl amine Oxide - Lauramine Oxide (Softwash Surfactant)

Lauryl Amine Oxide  LAO

Lauramine Oxide /  Dodecyldimethyl Amine Oxide /

Lauryl Dimethyl Amine Oxide  LDAO

Softwash surfactant

Technical grade

Product Description:

A 30% aqueous solution of lauryl dimethylamine oxide which is based on a tertiary amine derived from natural alcohols. LDAO is a strongly hydrophilic surfactant and is a colourless, viscous and foamy water based surfactant with a mild odour. When mixed with acids, LAO can behave as a cationic surfactant but in neutral or alkaline conditions, it acts as a non-ionic surfactant.

When blended with anionic surfactants, LAO is an excellent foam booster. It is commonly used in washing up liquids, shampoos, bubble baths, thickened bleach cleaners, vehicle cleaners and a wide range of other cleaners.

Compatible with bleach and hypochlorite. Often referred to as Softwash Surfactant, LAO is added to them to produce foaming, allowing hypochlorite solutions to cling to surfaces and increase contact time. LAO also allows bleach stable fragrances to be added to hypochlorite to help reduce the odours associated with bleach.

Typical properties:

• CAS No: 308062-28-4 (also cross-referenced to 1643‑20‑5)
• Appearance at 25^oC: Clear liquid
• Colour: Pale yellow
• Density at 20^oC: 0.98 g/cm³

Key Functional Roles

• Surfactant: Reduces surface tension, ideal for detergents and cleaners

• Foam Booster & Stabiliser: Produces creamy, resilient foam in shampoos, dish soaps, bubble baths 

• Viscosity Modifier: Thickens formulations when combined with salts

• Antistatic Agent: Reduces static and improves softness/conditioning, especially in hair & textile products

• Mild Antimicrobial: Exhibits activity against bacteria like S. aureus and E. coli

• Compatible: Works alongside anionic, nonionic, and cationic surfactants—even in bleach formulation

Common Uses

1. Personal Care Products

   • Shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers

   • Used for thickening, boosting foam, and improving mildness

2. Household and Industrial Cleaners

   • Surface cleaners, dishwashing liquids, degreasers

   • Foam booster for sodium hypochlorite solutions

   • Effective at removing greasy soils, stable in hard water

3. Disinfectants and Sanitizers

   • Enhances antimicrobial action of other biocidal agents

   • Acts as a mild disinfectant on its own

4. Agricultural and Industrial Applications

   • Adjuvant in pesticide formulations

   • Emulsifier or wetting agent