SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE (SLS)

SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE (SLS) is an anionic surfactant commonly used for its excellent detergency, foaming, and emulsifying properties. It appears as a white or light cream-colored powder, flakes, or needles, and is highly soluble in water. SLS lowers surface tension effectively, allowing oil and water to mix easily. It is one of the most widely used surfactants in personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations. 

APPLICATIONS:

1. COSMETICS & PERSONAL CARE:

   SLS is used as a foaming and cleansing agent in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, toothpastes, and shaving creams.              It provides rich lather, effective dirt removal, and emulsification of oils and impurities.

2. PHARMACEUTICALS:  

     In pharmaceutical formulations, SLS acts as a wetting agent, emulsifier, and dispersant. It is used in tablets and capsules to            enhance drug solubility and disintegration, and in topical formulations to improve spreadability. It is also found in some                   medicated shampoos and mouthwashes for its cleaning action.

3. FOOD INDUSTRY: 
    Used in small quantities as an emulsifier and whipping agent (E487) in certain food and beverage products. It helps produce            stable foams in egg whites, desserts, and beverages.

3. INDUSTRIAL & LABORATORY APPLICATIONS: 
    SLS is widely used in detergents, cleaners, textile processing, and emulsions due to its strong surfactant properties.                        In laboratories, it is used in protein and DNA extraction procedures as a cell-lysing agent.