Pharma & CosmeticsIn Stock

SLES 70% – Industrial Surfactant in Kenya, Uganda &

Name: Zenco Systems Ltd - Chemical Division
Address: Industrial Area, Enterprise Road, KCB Building, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254114591982
Price range: KES

SLES 70% is a highly efficient industrial surfactant used across cleaning, cosmetics, and manufacturing sectors in East Africa.

The manufacturing, cosmetics, and cleaning industries in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania rely heavily on Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) 70% as a primary surfactant.

WhatsApp Request Quote Contact Sales

+254114591982 Email Sales

Packaging

25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums

Supply Region

Kenya, East Africa

Supplier

Zenco Systems Ltd

What is SLES 70% – Industrial Surfactant in Kenya, Uganda &?

The manufacturing, cosmetics, and cleaning industries in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania rely heavily on Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) 70% as a primary surfactant. This compound forms the foundation of numerous detergent, shampoo, and industrial cleaning formulations due to its excellent foaming and emulsifying properties. At 70% concentration, SLES is partially neutralized and processed to ensure optimal balance between performance and handling safety.

SLES 70% functions by lowering surface tension, enabling water to mix with oils and dirt efficiently. Its widespread industrial use covers household and personal care products, textile processing, and even enhanced oil recovery in specialized applications. Procuring the right grade and purity of this surfactant is commercially important for formulators and manufacturers seeking consistent product quality and compliance with East African regulatory standards. Zenco Systems Ltd serves as a key distributor of SLES 70% across the region, ensuring reliable supply to businesses requiring tailored chemical inputs.

SLES 70% – Industrial Surfactant in Kenya, Uganda &: Detailed Product Overview

SLES 70% consists primarily of sodium lauryl ether sulfate with around 2-3 moles of ethylene oxide attached, represented chemically as C12H25(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na where n is typically 2 to 3. This molecular structure provides its anionic surfactant characteristics — the hydrophobic alkyl tail binds with oils and grease, while the hydrophilic sulfate and ether groups interact with water, enabling effective cleansing and emulsification.

Manufactured by sulfation of ethoxylated lauryl alcohol followed by neutralization to approximately 70%, this surfactant differs from pure SLES liquids by its concentrated semi-solid or paste form, which eases transport and storage without compromising activity. It retains high reactivity to formulate a range of cleaning products, especially effective in soft to medium water hardness conditions encountered in East African water profiles.

Its performance hinges on stable foam generation, good detergency, and compatibility with other surfactants and additives. Critical properties include its ionization degree under varying pH, cloud point behaviors indicating solubility limits, and biodegradability meeting regional environmental standards. Formulations with SLES 70% are favored for gentle yet effective cleaning, foaming longevity, and cost efficiency compared to nonionic or amphoteric surfactants.

Buyers must verify technical parameters such as active matter content, pH range (usually 6–8), viscosity, and salt content through certificates of analysis. Zenco Systems Ltd facilitates customized supply volumes and documentation to match the exact industrial requirements prevalent across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and neighboring markets, where stable sourcing impacts production continuity.

Applications and Uses of SLES 70% – Industrial Surfactant in Kenya, Uganda &

Detergent Manufacturing

SLES 70% is a cornerstone surfactant in household and industrial detergents due to its excellent foaming ability, grease emulsification, and mildness on skin. Typical inclusion levels range from 10% to 30% active content in liquid detergents, optimizing cleaning while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Its compatibility with builders, enzymes, and other surfactants allows formulators in Kenya and Uganda to produce powders, liquids, and bars meeting various washing conditions.

Personal Care Products

In shampoos, body washes, and bubble baths, SLES 70% serves as a primary cleansing agent that delivers rich foam and gentle cleansing. Its relatively low irritation potential compared to other strong surfactants makes it suitable for formulations requiring mildness without sacrificing performance. Adjustments in concentration (often 5–15%) and pH ensure product stability and user safety.

Industrial Cleaning

SLES 70% is employed in heavy-duty degreasers and industrial cleaners where its robust emulsifying power helps remove oils, dirt, and industrial residues. The surfactant’s stability under variable pH and moderate hardness water makes it ideal for food processing plants, workshops, and vehicle maintenance facilities in East Africa.

Textile Processing

As a wetting and emulsifying agent, SLES 70% facilitates the removal of natural oils and impurities from fibers during preparatory and scouring processes. Its usage in textile mills in Tanzania and Kenya improves water penetration and helps in uniform dyeing by ensuring clean fiber surfaces.

Paints and Coatings

SLES 70% is sometimes included in paint formulations as a dispersant helping pigment dispersion and improving the flow of coatings. Its surfactancy aids in preventing settling and ensures uniform application, important in industrial and decorative paint manufacturing.

Oilfield Applications

In enhanced oil recovery and drilling mud formulations, SLES 70% serves as a surfactant to lower interfacial tension and stabilize emulsions. This improves the efficiency of fluid flow and separation processes, crucial for petroleum extraction operations in some parts of East Africa.

Looking for alternatives for a specific process? Browse the full Pharma & Cosmetics range or ask our technical team which grade fits your application.

Benefits and Advantages

Cost-Effective Surfactancy

SLES 70% offers high active matter content in a concentrated form that minimizes transport volume and costs compared to dilute liquids. This concentration enables formulators to tailor dosing precisely, reducing waste and improving margin control especially important in the price-sensitive East African markets.

Versatile Formulation Compatibility

This surfactant blends well with nonionic, amphoteric, and cationic surfactants, allowing manufacturers to optimize cleaning power, foam stability, and mildness without unwanted interactions. This versatility expands product ranges and industrial uses handled by local formulators.

Effective Foaming and Cleaning Mechanism

The molecular structure of SLES grants excellent surface activity by breaking down oil and dirt layers and holding them in suspension for removal. This leads to superior cleaning outcomes in both domestic and industrial applications, making it widely appreciated in diverse sectors.

Regional Compliance and Biodegradability

SLES 70% supplied by Zenco Systems Ltd meets regional environmental and safety standards, including biodegradability and minimal aquatic toxicity. This ensures users in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania meet regulatory requirements essential for market access and sustainability goals.

Packaging Information

SLES 70% is typically supplied in 25kg and 50kg heavy-duty plastic drums and bags, allowing ease of handling and secure storage within industrial environments in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. For larger-scale users and distributors, 200L drums or bulk tanker deliveries can be arranged through Zenco Systems Ltd to optimize logistics costs. Packaging is designed to maintain product integrity, preventing moisture ingress and contamination, important for surfactants sensitive to hydrolysis.

Standard formats: 25kg bags, 50kg bags, 200L drums

Storage and Handling

Store SLES 70% in tightly sealed containers away from moisture and excessive heat, ideally between 10°C to 35°C. It is recommended to avoid contact with strong acids and oxidizing agents to prevent degradation. Containers should be kept in dry, well-ventilated warehouses. Residual product should not be stored long-term once containers are opened. Handling requires standard industrial personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and goggles to prevent skin and eye contact due to its mild irritant potential. Regular inventory rotation helps maintain optimal product performance.

Safety Information

SLES 70% is an anionic surfactant with low to moderate skin irritancy potential. Contact with eyes and prolonged skin exposure can cause irritation. Use chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, and appropriate protective clothing when handling. In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Spills should be contained and cleaned with absorbent materials avoiding direct skin contact. Dispose of unused or waste product according to local environmental regulations. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Zenco Systems Ltd for comprehensive hazard, handling, and emergency measures.

Technical Specifications

GradeIndustrial grade

PurityConfirm with supplier

FormulaC12H25(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na (n ~ 2-3)

Packaging25kg, 50kg bags; 200L drums

AppearancePale yellow to white semi-solid paste or granular form

CAS Number68891-38-3

SolubilitySoluble in water

Chemical NameSodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate

Storage ConditionsStore in dry, ventilated area, 10-35°C

Active Matter ContentApproximately 70%

pH (10% aqueous solution)6.5 - 8.5

Applications

Detergent Manufacturing
Personal Care Products
Industrial Cleaning
Textile Processing
Paints and Coatings
Oilfield Applications

Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

GradeIndustrial grade

PurityConfirm with supplier

FormulaC12H25(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na (n ~ 2-3)

Packaging25kg, 50kg bags; 200L drums

AppearancePale yellow to white semi-solid paste or granular form

CAS Number68891-38-3

SolubilitySoluble in water

Chemical NameSodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate

Storage ConditionsStore in dry, ventilated area, 10-35°C

Active Matter ContentApproximately 70%

pH (10% aqueous solution)6.5 - 8.5

Product Features

- Anionic surfactant with high foaming ability
- Concentrated 70% active matter content
- Compatible with varied formulation types
- Stable in soft to medium water hardness
- Good biodegradability meeting regional norms
- Semi-solid form eases transport and storage

Industries Served

- Personal Care and Cosmetics
- Household and Industrial Cleaning
- Textile Manufacturing
- Paints and Coatings
- Oil and Gas
- Detergent Production

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Frequently Asked Questions About SLES 70% – Industrial Surfactant in Kenya, Uganda &

What is SLES 70% used for in industrial applications?

SLES 70% primarily serves as a surfactant in detergents, cosmetics, textile processing, paints, and industrial cleaners where effective foaming and emulsification are required.

How should I dose SLES 70% in detergent formulations?

Typical dosing ranges from 10% to 30% active content depending on the detergent type, water hardness, and desired foam properties. Consult your formulation guidelines and supplier's technical data for precise recommendations.

Is SLES 70% safe for personal care products?

Yes, SLES 70% is widely used in shampoos and body washes due to its good cleaning and foaming balance with mild skin irritation potential, though formulations must control pH and concentration.

Do you supply SLES 70% in bulk for East African markets?

Zenco Systems Ltd supplies SLES 70% in 25kg, 50kg bags, 200L drums, and can arrange bulk tanker deliveries to Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and surrounding countries with prompt logistics support.

How should SLES 70% be stored to maintain quality?

Store in sealed containers in a dry, ventilated area between 10°C and 35°C, avoiding moisture and strong oxidizers to prevent degradation and maintain performance.

What protective equipment should I use when handling SLES 70%?

Wear gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing to avoid skin and eye irritation. Follow the Safety Data Sheet guidance for safe handling and spill management.

Is SLES 70% biodegradable and environmentally safe?

Yes, SLES 70% meets biodegradability criteria and regional environmental regulations, making it a preferred surfactant in compliance-sensitive markets such as Kenya and Uganda.

Can SLES 70% be combined with other surfactants?

It is compatible with nonionic, amphoteric, and some cationic surfactants, allowing formulators to optimize cleaning power and mildness in finished products.