Description
Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate is an anionic surfactant.
1 It increases proliferation of isolated chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) when used at concentrations ranging from 62.5 to 500 μg/ml.
2 Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (1, 2, and 4 mg/kg) increases the blood CD4
+ to CD8
+ T cell ratio induced by a Newcastle disease virus vaccine in chickens. Formulations containing sodium lauryl sulfoacetate have been used as surfactants in the manufacture of cosmetics.
Description
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is derived from coconut and palm oils; a safe, skin-friendly surfactant (foaming agent) for both skin and hair. This mild plant-derived surfactant creates a rich, luxurious lather that effectively removes surface oil, dirt, and bacteria without stripping or drying sensitive skin or hair.
Chemical Properties
Sodium lauryl sulfate may be derived from either petroleum based or vegetable based sources. The SLS Tom’s of Maine uses is entirely derived from the vegetable sources of coconut and/or palm kernel oil. The oils can be split into glycerin and the component fatty acids, one of which is lauric acid. The lauric acid is isolated and then hydrogenated to form the lauryl alcohol. Alternately, the whole oil can be esterified and then hydrogenated to form the fatty alcohols of which lauryl alcohol would be isolated by fractionation. The lauryl alcohol is then combined with sulfur which then forms the salt, sodium lauryl sulfate.
Uses
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate,can be used in the preparation of new surfactants of sodium cocoyl threoninate and sodium cocoyl glutamate that offer outstanding mildness, moisturization properties, and good foaming ability.
Application
Sodium lauryl sulfate is frequently used as a surfactant, or foaming agent. It may also serve as an emulsifier, helping oil based and water based ingredients to stay mixed. In many of our toothpastes SLS is used as a surfactant and helps to properly disperse the ingredients during brushing, and ensures easy rinsing and removal of debris (i.e. food particles).
benefits
Personal Care Products
SLS has been an ingredient in shampoos since the 1930s. It works as a surfactant, trapping oil and dirt in hair so it can rinse away with water. An effective foaming agent, SLS can help create a rich lather in products like body and hand wash, facial cleansers and bubble. Likewise, SLS helps create the foaming action in toothpaste and also helps remove food particles from teeth.
Cleaning Products
SLS is an effective surfactant used in household cleaning products to help remove oily stains and residues, such as food stains in carpets. Because of its ability to break down oil and grease, SLS also is an ingredient in many industrial cleaning products, such as engine degreasers and industrial strength detergents.
Food Additive
As a food additive, SLS is used as an emulsifier or thickener. For example, SLS helps make marshmallows and dried egg products light and fluffy. SLS also helps acids mix better with liquids, for example in fruit juices and punches.
Hazard
Depending on manufacturing processes, sodium laureth sulfate may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. The International Agency for Research on Cancer ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen. Ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system iiand the California Environmental Protection Agency has classified it as a possible developmental toxicant based on evidence that it may interfere with human development. 1,4-dioxane is also persistent. In other words, it doesn’t easily degrade and can remain in the environment long after it is rinsed down the shower drain. 1,4-dioxane can be removed from cosmetics during the manufacturing process by vacuum stripping, but there is no easy way for consumers to know whether products containing sodium laureth sulfate have undergone this process.
References
[1] E. GAD E A M M El Sukkary. Surface and thermodynamic properties of octyl, dodecyl, and cetyl sulfoacetates[J]. Monatshefte für Chemie - Chemical Monthly, 1997, 25 1: 1085-1092. DOI:
10.1007/bf00807558[2] DARONG CHENG Huaichang S Shanyuan Zhu. The immune enhancement of sodium lauryl sulfoacetate in chickens.[J]. Veterinary Medicine International, 2010, 2010: 485060. DOI:
10.4061/2010/485060
