Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa)

What is it? Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa) is a solid anionic surfactant of vegetable origin. It meets ECOCERT standards. It is not the same thing as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)—it is a much gentler surfactant.
INCI Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Appearance A very fine white powder.
Usage rate Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa) is non-irritating to the skin at up to 70%
Texture Fine powder.
Scent Characteristically soapy/detergent-y.
Active Surfactant Matter 65%
pH 5–7.5 (5% solution)
Charge Anionic
Solubility Water
Why do we use it in formulations? It offers fantastic, rich lather to our products. Due to the small particle size it readily dissolves in water, making it a great choice for things like bath bombs and foaming bath salts.
Do you need it? I’d highly recommend it, but it isn’t essential.
Strengths Wonderful, rich, long-lasting lather.
Weaknesses Inhaling it is beyond wretched.
Alternatives & Substitutions As a bare minimum you’ll need a different solid anionic surfactant. You’ll also need to watch the active surfactant matter (you may need to use a different quantity of the new surfactant to get the same ASM level in the end product) and the pH of the final product.
How to Work with It Wear a dust mask! Inhaling airborne powdered surfactants is unbelievably unpleasant.

You can dissolve it into the heated water phase for liquid concoctions, or stir/mash the powder into blends of butters and/or other surfactants to create syndet bars. It can also be added to the powder phase of bath bombs and other bath products.
Storage & Shelf Life Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, SLSa should last for two years.
Tips, Tricks, and Quirks SLSa is an easy way to make almost anything foam!
Recommended starter amount 250g (0.5lb)
Where to Buy it  Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier or Amazon.

Want to compare different surfactants?

Check out my super-useful surfactants table!

 

Some Formulations that Use Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

Skills

Posted on

November 24, 2018