Product Overview & China Production Capacity
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS, CAS 151-21-3, molecular formula C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S, MW 288.38) is an anionic surfactant used as a wetting agent, emulsifier, and solubilizer in pharmaceutical tablet, capsule, and topical formulations. China’s SLS production capacity exceeds 300,000 metric tons annually from facilities in Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang provinces, with dedicated pharma-grade lines producing needle, powder, and granular forms meeting USP/NF and EP specifications.
In tablet manufacturing, SLS enhances wettability of hydrophobic drug particles, improving dissolution rate and bioavailability. It serves as a processing aid in capsule shell manufacturing, an emulsifier in topical creams and lotions, and a solubilizing agent in liquid formulations. Chinese manufacturers produce SLS through sulfation of lauryl alcohol derived from both petrochemical (Ziegler process) and natural (coconut/palm kernel oil) feedstocks, offering customers a choice of synthetic or naturally derived material.
Manufacturing Standards & Quality Assurance
Production facilities hold ISO 9001:2015, and cquality certifications. Quality testing includes total active matter content, unsulfated alcohol, sodium sulfate, pH, sodium chloride, heavy metals, and microbial limits. Products comply with USP/NF, EP, and ChP monograph requirements. Natural-origin SLS is available with RSPO mass balance certification for sustainable palm-derived material.
Sulfation reactors use SO₃/air thin-film technology for precise reaction control and minimal by-product formation. Post-neutralization processing includes bleaching, particle size classification, and moisture adjustment to target specifications. Needle-grade SLS is produced through controlled crystallization for optimal dissolution characteristics in pharmaceutical applications.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 151-21-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S |
| Molecular Weight | 288.38 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow powder or needles |
| Active Matter Content | ≥85.0% (pharma ≥95%) |
| Unsulfated Alcohol | ≤3.0% |
| Sodium Sulfate | ≤5.0% |
| pH (1% aqueous) | 7.0–9.5 |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤10 ppm |
| Pharmacopoeial Compliance | USP/NF, EP, ChP |
Packaging & Export Logistics
SLS is supplied in 25 kg PE-lined kraft bags or 25 kg fiber drums, palletized for container loading. Bulk 500 kg FIBCs are available. Lead time is 7–12 business days. Shipments from Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Qingdao ports under FOB, CIF, or DDP terms.
Documentation includes CoA, SDS, and regulatory compliance certificates. SLS is classified as non-hazardous for transport, simplifying logistics arrangements worldwide.
China Supply Advantage
China’s integrated oleochemical and petrochemical industries provide cost-effective lauryl alcohol feedstock for SLS production, delivering pharma-grade material at 25–40% below Western manufacturer pricing. Dual sourcing capability (natural and synthetic origins) provides supply chain flexibility. Chinese SLS producers serve pharmaceutical, personal care, and industrial customers globally with consistent quality and reliable delivery performance backed by decades of export experience.