Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES)

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate is an anionic surfactant which is widely used in rinse off
products as a primary surfactant. This compound is prepared by ethoxylation of fatty
alcohol, which is produced industrially from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. The resulting
ethoxylate is converted to a half ester of sulfuric acid, which is neutralized by conversion
to the sodium salt by the use of sodium hydroxide.