SLS Powder 92%, 93% and 95%

SLS Powder is a high-active anionic surfactant supplied in 92%, 93% and 95% grades for selected detergent, household-cleaning and industrial-cleaning formulations.

Within this product range, SLS Powder is identified by CAS No. 73296-89-6 and described as a sodium alkyl sulfate. It is supplied as a white or light-yellow powder free from caking.

The three grades share the same fundamental surfactant mechanism. Their primary confirmed differences are:

• Minimum active matter;

• Maximum sodium sulfate;

• Quantity of product required to deliver a target amount of active SLS;

• Non-active material introduced into the formulation;

• Packaging and freight per unit of active matter.

SLS Powder 95% provides the highest minimum active matter and lowest sodium sulfate limit in the range. This does not automatically make it the best grade for every formulation. Grade selection should also consider processing conditions, formula tolerance, delivered cost and finished-product performance.

Buyers who are still deciding between powder, needle and liquid forms can first compare all Sodium Lauryl Sulfate forms and grades.

SLS Powder at a Glance

SLS Powder is an anionic surfactant available in 92%, 93% and 95% active-matter grades. All three grades are supplied as white or light-yellow powder free from caking and packed in 25 kg bags.

The key grade difference is not a change in surfactant mechanism. It is the balance between active SLS and the permitted non-active fraction, particularly sodium sulfate.

A technically meaningful comparison therefore considers:

• Active matter;

• Sodium sulfate;

• Product quantity required;

• Cost per kilogram of active matter;

• Powder handling and processing;

• Finished-product validation.

Product Identification

CAS No. 73296-89-6 follows the approved product documentation for this commercial SLS range. A CAS number used by another SLS source or grade should not be substituted without confirming the applicable chemical identity and supplier documents.

The reference HS code should be checked against the final composition, shipping documents and customs requirements of the importing country.

Product Specifications

These values define the agreed limits for the selected grade. Final commercial-batch acceptance should be based on the agreed specification and the Certificate of Analysis corresponding to the shipped batch.

“Free Oil” follows the supplied product specification. It should not be renamed as another analytical parameter unless the approved English specification confirms the same test definition and method.

How SLS Works at the Molecular Level

SLS is an anionic surfactant with two functionally different regions:

• A hydrophilic sulfate head that interacts strongly with the water phase;

• A hydrophobic alkyl chain that has an affinity for oils, hydrophobic soil and non-polar surfaces.

This amphiphilic structure allows SLS molecules to concentrate at interfaces instead of remaining distributed randomly throughout the water phase.

The important interfaces in cleaning systems include:

• Water and air;

• Water and oil;

• Water and fabric;

• Water and hard surfaces;

• Water and solid particles.

The powder itself does not remove soil simply because it is a powder. It must first become adequately dispersed or dissolved in the formulation or wash water. Once available in the aqueous phase, the surfactant molecules can participate in interfacial activity.

Interfacial Adsorption and Wetting

Water has relatively high surface tension. On a hydrophobic or contaminated surface, it may form droplets instead of spreading evenly.

SLS molecules adsorb at the interface. Their hydrophilic heads remain oriented toward the water phase while their hydrophobic chains orient toward air, oil or a hydrophobic surface.

This arrangement lowers surface and interfacial tension and can help the cleaning solution:

• Spread across a surface;

• Penetrate between soil and the substrate;

• Wet fabric fibres and solid particles;

• Increase contact between the aqueous formulation and the material being cleaned.

Wetting is the first step in many cleaning processes, but it does not by itself prove complete soil removal.

Interaction with Oily Soil

At a water–oil interface, the hydrophobic chains can associate with oily material while the sulfate heads remain exposed to water.

This can reduce the interfacial energy between the oil and water phases, helping mechanical action and the complete detergent system detach oily material from the surface.

SLS should not be described as chemically destroying oil. Its role is associated with wetting, interfacial interaction, detachment and dispersion.

Micelle Formation and Soil Dispersion

As the concentration of dissolved surfactant increases, a point can be reached at which aggregation becomes favourable. SLS molecules can then form micelle-like structures in the water phase.

In a simplified micelle:

• Hydrophobic chains are oriented toward the interior;

• Hydrophilic sulfate heads remain in contact with water.

These structures can help accommodate and disperse hydrophobic material in the aqueous phase, reducing the tendency of removed oily soil to deposit immediately back onto the cleaned surface.

The effective concentration for aggregation is not a fixed universal value in a commercial formulation. It can change with:

• Temperature;

• Electrolyte concentration;

• Water hardness;

• Other surfactants;

• Builders;

• Solvents;

• Soil loading;

• Formula pH.

For this reason, a theoretical critical micelle concentration taken from a pure laboratory system should not be used as a universal dosage recommendation for finished detergent products.

Foam Formation

At the water–air interface, SLS can help form and stabilize liquid films around air bubbles. This contributes to foam generation.

Foam depends on more than SLS concentration. It is also affected by:

• Water hardness;

• Temperature;

• Electrolytes;

• Other surfactants;

• Builders;

• Soil and oil loading;

• Mechanical agitation;

• Air incorporation;

• Rinsing conditions.

High foam may be desirable in manual-wash products and some cleaning applications. It may be unsuitable in low-foam machine-wash systems.

Foam volume does not independently measure detergency. A product can generate visible foam without delivering the required soil removal, and an effective cleaning system does not always need high foam.

Does Powder Form Change the Surfactant Mechanism?

Powder and needle forms may share the same fundamental anionic surfactant mechanism after they are adequately dispersed or dissolved.

Physical form mainly affects the manufacturing stage:

• Dust generation;

• Powder flow;

• Dosing;

• Addition sequence;

• Dispersion;

• Agglomeration;

• Mixing time;

• Storage and moisture control.

Physical form should therefore be treated as a processing and handling decision, while active matter and composition remain formulation and procurement decisions.

A needle-product TDS must not be used as the powder-product specification solely because both products are sold under the commercial name SLS.

For projects requiring defined or coloured solid particles, review SLS Needles 92%, 93% and 95% separately.

Understanding the Three Powder Grades

SLS Powder 92%

SLS Powder 92% provides:

• Active matter: 92% minimum;

• Sodium sulfate: 5.8% maximum;

• Sodium chloride: 0.15% maximum;

• Water: 2.0% maximum.

This grade may be evaluated where the complete formulation can accommodate its sodium sulfate limit and where its delivered cost provides a suitable commercial balance.

It should not automatically be described as a low-performance grade. If a formulation is adjusted to provide the same amount of active SLS, performance must be evaluated through controlled finished-product testing.

SLS Powder 93%

SLS Powder 93% provides:

• Active matter: 93% minimum;

• Sodium sulfate: 4.8% maximum;

• Sodium chloride: 0.15% maximum;

• Water: 2.0% maximum.

It provides an intermediate option between the 92% and 95% grades. It may be considered when a project requires a higher active level or lower sodium sulfate limit than the 92% grade without automatically requiring the 95% specification.

SLS Powder 95%

SLS Powder 95% provides:

• Active matter: 95% minimum;

• Sodium sulfate: 2.5% maximum;

• Sodium chloride: 0.15% maximum;

• Water: 2.0% maximum.

It supplies the highest minimum active matter and lowest sodium sulfate limit in the current powder range.

This may be commercially relevant when:

• More active SLS is required per kilogram of delivered product;

• Lower sodium sulfate introduction is important;

• Packaging and freight per unit of active matter are being compared;

• A concentrated finished-product system has limited tolerance for non-active material.

The 95% grade must still be evaluated in the intended formulation and manufacturing process.

Equal Product Weight Versus Equal Active Matter

SLS Powder grades can be compared in two different ways. The chosen basis changes the conclusion.

Comparison at Equal Product Weight

If 100 kg of each product is dosed, the theoretical minimum active SLS supplied is:

At equal product weight, the 95% grade supplies more active surfactant.

A performance comparison based on equal product weight is therefore not an equal-active comparison.

Comparison at Equal Active Matter

If the objective is to supply 100 kg of active SLS, the theoretical product requirements are:

For one metric tonne of active SLS:

The theoretical difference between the 92% and 95% grades is approximately 34 kg of delivered product for every metric tonne of active SLS.

These calculations use minimum active-matter values and do not include production loss, dosing tolerance or batch variation.

Why Sodium Sulfate Matters

Sodium sulfate forms part of the confirmed non-active fraction and differs between the three grades.

Sodium sulfate is not active SLS. Its introduction may affect:

• Total inorganic-salt load;

• Electrolyte balance;

• Total solids;

• Powder composition;

• Dissolution and dispersion;

• Compatibility with other ingredients;

• Finished-product appearance;

• Formula concentration;

• Cost per unit of active matter.

Its actual effect depends on the complete formulation.

Some conventional detergent powders already contain substantial inorganic salts and may tolerate the difference. More concentrated or electrolyte-sensitive products may require closer control.

The lowest sodium sulfate specification should not automatically be treated as the best commercial option. The buyer must compare the entire formula and cost structure.

Cost per Kilogram of Active Matter

Price per metric tonne can be misleading when comparing different active-matter grades.

Use:

Cost per kg of active matter = Delivered price per kg ÷ Active-matter fraction

The active-matter fractions are:

• SLS Powder 92%: 0.92;

• SLS Powder 93%: 0.93;

• SLS Powder 95%: 0.95.

For example, if two products have different delivered prices, the lower price per metric tonne may not provide the lower cost per kilogram of active SLS.

A complete commercial comparison should include:

• Delivered price;

• Active matter;

• Packaging;

• Freight;

• Storage;

• Handling loss;

• Dust control;

• Dosing accuracy;

• Processing time;

• Formula tolerance;

• Finished-product performance.

Active-matter cost is an important starting point, not the final purchasing decision.

Grade Selection Guide

This table provides an evaluation starting point, not a universal grade recommendation.

Suitable Applications

Laundry Detergent Powder

SLS Powder may be evaluated in:

• Hand-wash laundry detergent powder;

• Conventional laundry detergent powder;

• Concentrated detergent powder;

• Selected detergent granules;

• Laundry cleaning tablets and blocks.

Possible formulation roles include:

• Fabric wetting;

• Foam generation;

• Soil dispersion;

• Addition of a high-active anionic surfactant;

• Support for the total detergent system.

Foam requirements must match the intended washing method.

Manual-wash markets may expect visible foam, while top-load and front-load machine products may require different foam-control strategies. Finished-product testing should reflect the intended machine, water conditions, dosage and washing process.

Household Cleaning Powders

Potential applications include:

• Scouring powder;

• Kitchen cleaning powder;

• Bathroom cleaning powder;

• Multipurpose cleaning powder;

• Hard-surface cleaning powder;

• Cleaning tablets and blocks.

Surface compatibility, residue, rinsing and abrasivity depend on the complete formula and cannot be determined from the SLS grade alone.

Industrial and Institutional Cleaning

Potential applications include:

• Industrial cleaning powders;

• Professional cleaning concentrates;

• Commercial laundry products;

• Vehicle-cleaning powders;

• Selected high-foam cleaning systems.

Suitability for food-contact areas, medical environments or other regulated applications must be determined from the finished product and applicable requirements.

Personal-Care and Oral-Care Boundary

SLS is used in some personal-cleansing and oral-care formulations, but active matter alone does not prove that the current commercial grade is suitable for these applications.

Before evaluating any grade for personal care or oral care, confirm:

• Application-specific product grade;

• Impurity profile;

• Applicable regulatory requirements;

• Supporting quality documentation;

• Finished-product stability;

• User-tolerance assessment.

An industrial detergent grade must not automatically be presented as cosmetic, pharmaceutical or toothpaste grade.

Formulation Compatibility

SLS Powder may be evaluated with selected:

• Other anionic surfactants;

• Nonionic surfactants;

• Amphoteric surfactants;

• Builders;

• Chelating agents;

• Fillers;

• Enzymes;

• Fragrances;

• Colour systems;

• Alkaline ingredients;

• Other detergent additives.

Compatibility cannot be determined from chemical classification alone.

Because SLS is anionic, incompatibility may occur with some cationic ingredients. Possible effects include:

• Precipitation;

• Phase separation;

• Viscosity changes;

• Reduced availability of the surfactant;

• Loss of expected finished-product performance.

Compatibility should be verified at the intended concentration, pH, water hardness, processing temperature and storage condition.

Powder Processing and Handling

SLS Powder is a fine, high-active material. Production planning should consider:

• Dust generation;

• Local exhaust ventilation;

• Controlled transfer;

• Powder flow;

• Addition sequence;

• Mixing intensity;

• Dispersion;

• Moisture exposure;

• Caking risk;

• Dosing accuracy;

• Production loss;

• Compatibility with other dry ingredients.

Dry Blending

For dry-blended products, evaluate:

• Particle-size distribution of the full blend;

• Density differences between ingredients;

• Segregation during conveying and transport;

• Uniformity after blending;

• Moisture pickup;

• Finished-powder flow;

• Storage stability.

A fine powder may segregate from larger or denser particles. Initial blend uniformity does not always guarantee uniformity after packing and transport.

Addition to an Aqueous Phase

When powder is added to water, uncontrolled addition may lead to:

• Surface agglomeration;

• Local concentration;

• Excessive foam;

• Incomplete dispersion;

• Longer processing time.

Addition rate, agitation, temperature and sequence should be established through production trials.

No universal dissolution time or addition temperature is claimed because these depend on the complete process and formulation.

Warm-Climate Storage

For Southeast Asian and other warm-market supply chains, evaluation should include:

• Moisture protection;

• Warehouse ventilation;

• Exposure to elevated temperature;

• Bag sealing;

• Pallet protection;

• Caking after transport and storage;

• Powder condition before production.

The storage environment and packaging integrity can be as important as the original powder specification.

Packaging and Storage

Packaging:

25 kg/bag

Packaging construction, inner liner, palletization and container-loading quantity should be confirmed for the applicable commercial order.

General storage recommendations include:

• Keep the product in its original sealed packaging;

• Store in a clean, dry and well-ventilated area;

• Protect the powder from moisture and contamination;

• Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight;

• Reseal partially used bags;

• Keep away from incompatible materials identified in the applicable SDS;

• Follow the approved storage and handling documents.

A fixed shelf-life period is not stated because the approved product information available for this page does not confirm one.

Quality and Batch Verification

Product approval should distinguish between specification limits, representative information and commercial-batch data.

Product Specification

The product specification defines the agreed acceptance limits for the selected grade.

Representative Certificate of Analysis

A representative COA may show the usual reporting format and typical test items. It does not guarantee the values of a future shipment.

Commercial-Batch Certificate of Analysis

The commercial-batch COA reports the tested results associated with the shipped batch and should be used for final batch verification.

Before approving a commercial shipment, confirm:

• Product name;

• Powder form;

• Selected grade;

• Batch number;

• Active matter;

• Free oil;

• Sodium sulfate;

• Sodium chloride;

• Water;

• pH;

• Appearance;

• Packaging;

• Document version.

Typical values must not replace guaranteed specification limits.

Available Documents

Depending on the selected grade and order stage, the document package may include:

• YARUN Technical Data Sheet;

• Applicable Safety Data Sheet;

• Agreed product specification;

• Representative Certificate of Analysis;

• Commercial-batch Certificate of Analysis;

• Packaging information;

• Sample information;

• Commercial quotation.

Document titles, versions, physical forms and applicable grades should be checked before release.

Controlled Sample Comparison

A controlled comparison is recommended when:

• Replacing an existing supplier;

• Moving from 92% or 93% to 95%;

• Reducing sodium sulfate introduction;

• Developing a more concentrated product;

• Changing the manufacturing process;

• Moving from needles to powder;

• Evaluating a new detergent application.

Where possible, compare grades at equal active-SLS contribution. Otherwise, an apparent difference may result only from unequal active matter.

The evaluation may include:

• Powder condition;

• Dust during handling;

• Dispersion;

• Mixing behaviour;

• Finished-product uniformity;

• Foam profile;

• Cleaning performance;

• Rinsing;

• Storage stability;

• Cost per finished unit.

Commercial approval should be based on the selected grade, final formula, intended process and agreed quality requirements.

Procurement Checklist

Before requesting a specification or quotation, provide:

• Required grade: 92%, 93% or 95%;

• Finished-product application;

• Existing SLS specification, if replacing a product;

• Target active matter;

• Expected order quantity;

• Destination country;

• Destination port;

• Packaging requirements;

• Required documents;

• Sample requirement;

• FOB or CIF quotation basis;

• Target order date.

This information allows the technical requirement, document status and commercial terms to be reviewed together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between SLS Powder 92%, 93% and 95%?

The confirmed differences are minimum active matter and maximum sodium sulfate. The 95% grade supplies the highest minimum active matter and has the lowest sodium sulfate limit in the current range.

Does SLS Powder 95% provide stronger cleaning than SLS Powder 92%?

Not automatically. At equal product weight, the 95% grade supplies more active SLS. At equal active matter, finished-product performance depends on the complete formulation and test conditions.

Which grade has the lowest sodium sulfate limit?

SLS Powder 95% has a maximum sodium sulfate limit of 2.5%, compared with 4.8% for the 93% grade and 5.8% for the 92% grade.

Why compare cost per kilogram of active matter?

Price per metric tonne does not account for concentration. Dividing delivered price per kilogram by the active-matter fraction gives a more comparable starting point.

Are all three products supplied as powder?

Yes. Their confirmed appearance is white or light-yellow powder free from caking.

What is the difference between SLS Powder and SLS Needles?

They may share the same fundamental surfactant mechanism after dispersion or dissolution, but their particle form, dust behaviour, handling, dosing and commercial specifications can differ.

Can SLS Powder be used in laundry detergent powder?

It may be evaluated as a high-active anionic surfactant in selected detergent powders. Grade, dosage, foam profile and processing method must be verified in the complete formulation.

Is the highest-foam formula always the best detergent formula?

No. Foam contributes to product experience but does not independently measure detergency. The correct foam profile depends on the intended washing method and market.

Can this product be used in toothpaste or personal care?

Suitability cannot be determined from active matter alone. An appropriate application-specific grade, impurity profile, documentation and finished-product assessment are required.

What are the packaging and MOQ?

The confirmed packaging is 25 kg per bag. The standard starting MOQ is 1 MT per confirmed grade.

Which documents may be provided?

Depending on the selected grade and order stage, the available package may include a TDS, applicable SDS, agreed specification and relevant COA.

Request an SLS Powder Specification and Quote

Selecting SLS Powder by unit price or active matter alone can lead to an unsuitable grade, an incorrect cost comparison or unnecessary non-active material in the formulation.

Please provide:

• Required grade;

• Finished-product application;

• Expected quantity;

• Destination country and port;

• Required documents;

• Sample requirement;

• FOB or CIF quotation basis.

YARUN will review the requested grade, specification, documentation status and commercial requirements before confirming the applicable supply option.

Request an SLS Powder Specification and Quote

Compare active matter, sodium sulfate limits, processing requirements and delivered cost before selecting a grade.