SODIUM LAURYL SULPHOACETATE
Sodium 2-dodecoxy-2-oxoethanesulfonate
Sodium lauryl sulphoacetate (SLSA) is a surfactant and foaming agent used in various personal care and cosmetic products. It is often considered a milder alternative to sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), especially for people with sensitive skin or those looking for gentler, more natural ingredients.
Chemical Composition:
- Chemical Formula: C14H27NaO5S
- Structure: SLSA is an anionic surfactant, meaning it has a negatively charged hydrophilic (water-attracting) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. The hydrophilic part is the sulfoacetate group, and the hydrophobic part is derived from lauric acid.
Common Uses:
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Personal Care Products:
- Bath Bombs: SLSA is popular in bath bombs because it creates a rich, luxurious foam that is gentle on the skin.
- Shampoos and Conditioners: Used to create lather and cleanse the hair without being as harsh as SLS.
- Facial Cleansers: Included for its mild cleansing properties that effectively remove dirt and oil without stripping the skin.
- Body Washes and Bubble Baths: Chosen for its ability to produce bubbles and foam, making it ideal for products designed for a luxurious bathing experience.
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Cosmetics:
- SLSA is used in various cosmetic formulations, including powders, creams, and cleansers, where mild surfactant action is desired.
Properties:
- Mildness: SLSA is much gentler on the skin compared to SLS, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
- Foaming Ability: It produces a rich, creamy lather, which is desirable in products like shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths.
- Biodegradable: SLSA is biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly choice compared to some harsher surfactants.
- Non-Irritating: It’s less likely to cause irritation or dryness, which is why it's often preferred in formulations for sensitive skin.
Differences Between SLSA and SLS:
- Gentleness: SLSA is less likely to cause skin irritation, making it a preferred ingredient in products marketed as being "sensitive" or "gentle."
- Molecular Structure: Although both are surfactants, SLSA has a different chemical structure, which contributes to its milder properties.
- Origin: SLSA is often derived from natural sources like coconut and palm oils, making it appealing to consumers looking for more natural ingredients.
Environmental and Health Considerations:
- Safety: SLSA is considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products. It has a lower risk of causing skin irritation compared to SLS and SLES.
- Biodegradability: SLSA is biodegradable and has a lower environmental impact compared to some other synthetic surfactants.
Applications in DIY and Natural Products:
- Handmade Soaps and Bath Products: SLSA is frequently used in handmade soaps, bath bombs, and bubble bars due to its mildness and excellent foaming properties.
- Natural and Organic Formulations: It is favored in natural and organic personal care products due to its origin from natural fatty acids and its gentle action on the skin.
Summary:
Sodium lauryl sulphoacetate (SLSA) is a mild, biodegradable surfactant used in a variety of personal care products, particularly those designed for sensitive skin or that prioritize gentler ingredients. It provides effective cleansing and foaming properties while being less irritating than harsher surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).
Technical Data
- Appearance: White powder or flake
- CAS No: 1847-58-1
- EINECS No: 217-431-7
- Formula: C14H27NaO5S
- Solids content: 100%
- Active matter: 65%
- Melting point: >100 oC
- Molar mass: 330 g mol?1
- Density @ 20 oC: 0.95 g/cm3
- pH: 5 -7.5
- Other names: Surfac LALEXP F, sodium 2-dodecoxy-2-oxoethanesulfonate, Lathanol, Lathanol LAL, Nacconol LAL, Lathanol-lal 70, Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, Dodecyl sodium sulfoacetate, HSDB 7256, Dodecyl sulfoacetate sodium salt,
PLEASE NOTE: This product is not for human or animal consumption.