What is the difference between SLES 28% and SLES 70%?

The figure is the active content. SLES 28% is a pourable liquid ready to use in formulations. SLES 70% is a thick paste that packs more active per drum, lowering freight per unit of active, but it must be diluted with water and warmed before use.

How do I dilute SLES 70% to a workable viscosity?

Add the paste slowly to warm water with gentle stirring to avoid air entrapment, and aim for a 28 to 30% working solution. Adding water too fast can cause gelling, so check with a small trial first.

Is SLES a dangerous good for shipping?

SLES is generally not classed as dangerous goods for sea freight in most cases, but classification depends on the grade and concentration. An MSDS is available on request, and the shipping classification is confirmed for your order.

Which packing should I choose?

Drums of 200 to 235 kg suit smaller orders. IBCs of 1,000 L reduce packaging cost, and flexitanks give the lowest cost per tonne if you have bulk storage and pumping on arrival.

How long can SLES be stored?

Typically up to about 12 months in sealed original containers stored cool and out of sunlight. SLES can hydrolyse in acidic or very hot conditions, so keep the pH controlled and avoid heat.

Illustration of SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulphate) in a typical export pack

SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate) Exporter & Supplier from India

Name: SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate)
Brand: GoodBiz Hygiene
SKU: sles

SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate) is a mild anionic surfactant that produces rich foam, used in shampoos, hand washes, body washes, dish wash liquids and detergents. It is sold as a clear to pale viscous liquid in 28% or 70% active strengths. GoodBiz Hygiene sources SLES from vetted Indian manufacturers for export to formulators and distributors.

HSN 3402 39. 8-digit ITC-HS code confirmed per order

Request a Quote Read the FAQ

Key facts for buyers

HSN code: 3402 39
The 8-digit ITC-HS code is confirmed per order.
Minimum order quantity: No fixed minimum. Trial orders, part loads and mixed containers are all quoted, and quantities are agreed per order.
Private label: Not offered for this product.

Varieties, pack sizes and packaging

Available varieties

SLES 28% active (liquid, ready to use)
SLES 70% active (paste, concentrated)
1 mole ethoxylated grade
2 mole ethoxylated grade
3 mole ethoxylated grade

Pack sizes

200 to 235 kg HDPE drum
1,000 L IBC
Flexitank (about 20 tonnes)

Packaging options

200 to 235 kg HDPE drums, palletised
1,000 L IBC tanks in steel cage
Flexitank in a 20 ft container for bulk loads

What are the typical specifications of SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulphate)?

SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate): typical values for export grades. Final values are confirmed with the manufacturer per order.

Typical specifications. Final values are confirmed per order.
Appearance	28%: clear to pale yellow liquid; 70%: white to pale yellow viscous paste
Active matter	Typical 27-29% for the 28% grade; typical 68-72% for the 70% grade
pH (1% solution)	Typical 7.0-9.5
Unsulphated matter	Typical 2.0-3.0% max
Sodium sulphate	Typical 1.5% max on 28% grade
Moles of ethoxylation	1, 2 or 3 EO by agreement

Product overview

SLES is one of the most widely used surfactants in personal care and home care. It lathers well, rinses clearly and is gentler on skin than many alternatives, which is why it forms the foaming base of shampoos, body washes, liquid hand washes and dish wash liquids. In heavier-duty products it works alongside LABSA to build cleaning power and foam.

GoodBiz Hygiene is a merchant exporter from India and GoodBiz Global company that sources SLES from vetted surfactant manufacturers. We do not make SLES ourselves. We source it from vetted Indian manufacturers, confirm the grade against your formulation and manage documentation and shipping as a single point of contact.

Grades and specifications

SLES is sold mainly at 28% and 70% active. The 28% liquid is simple to use and is the common choice for small and mid-size blenders. The 70% paste is more concentrated and suits buyers with heating and mixing facilities who want to cut freight per tonne of active. Ethoxylation level, usually 1, 2 or 3 moles, affects mildness and viscosity response with salt, and can be specified. Figures in the table are typical values, confirmed on the specification sheet and certificate of analysis for each order.

Packaging for export

SLES comes in 200 to 235 kg HDPE drums, 1,000 L IBCs, or flexitanks of about 20 tonnes. The 70% paste is thick and needs warming to pump or pour, so packing and unloading plans should allow for this. A 20 ft container holds roughly 16 to 18 tonnes in drums. Classification for transport is confirmed per order.

Formulation notes

SLES thickens with salt, so many formulators build viscosity with sodium chloride. pH is usually adjusted to 5.5 to 7 for personal care and left higher for cleaners. Pair with a co-surfactant such as cocamidopropyl betaine for added mildness and foam stability.

Why source through GoodBiz Hygiene

SLES buyers make shampoos, hand washes and dish liquids, where colour, odour and 1,4-dioxane level count. GoodBiz Hygiene can ask the manufacturer for a sample and certificate of analysis before you commit to a container. FOB, CIF and CFR are available; payment terms are agreed per order (T/T or LC). Shipments leave from major Indian ports. The HSN code shown is the 6-digit level, and the full 8-digit ITC-HS code is confirmed for each order. Tell us your preferred active percentage, ethoxylation level and monthly volume and we will return a quotation.

SLES is classified as an anionic surface-active agent under 3402 39, separately from finished detergents; see our HSN 3401 vs 3402 guide. LABSA and soap noodles are in the same industrial and raw materials range.

Last reviewed 26 October 2026

Container loading (approx.)

Approximate figures; the final loading plan is confirmed per order.

20 ft container: Approx. 16 to 18 tonnes in drums, or approx. 20 tonnes in a flexitank
40 ft container: Not normally used; 20 ft containers are preferred for dense liquids

Straight answers.

What is the difference between SLES 28% and SLES 70%?
The figure is the active content. SLES 28% is a pourable liquid ready to use in formulations. SLES 70% is a thick paste that packs more active per drum, lowering freight per unit of active, but it must be diluted with water and warmed before use.
Buyer FAQ
How do I dilute SLES 70% to a workable viscosity?
Add the paste slowly to warm water with gentle stirring to avoid air entrapment, and aim for a 28 to 30% working solution. Adding water too fast can cause gelling, so check with a small trial first.
Buyer FAQ
Is SLES a dangerous good for shipping?
SLES is generally not classed as dangerous goods for sea freight in most cases, but classification depends on the grade and concentration. An MSDS is available on request, and the shipping classification is confirmed for your order.
Buyer FAQ
Which packing should I choose?
Drums of 200 to 235 kg suit smaller orders. IBCs of 1,000 L reduce packaging cost, and flexitanks give the lowest cost per tonne if you have bulk storage and pumping on arrival.
Buyer FAQ
How long can SLES be stored?
Typically up to about 12 months in sealed original containers stored cool and out of sunlight. SLES can hydrolyse in acidic or very hot conditions, so keep the pH controlled and avoid heat.
Buyer FAQ

Buyer guides for this product

1 October 2026
HSN Code 3401 vs 3402: A Buyer's Guide to Classifying Soaps and Detergents
Not sure whether your soap or detergent is HSN 3401 or 3402? A plain guide to the split, with a product-by-product table and the questions to settle first.

Quote this product.

Tell us the SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulphate) variety, pack size, quantity and destination port in one line. The enquiry form opens with it written in.