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Differences in active content and salt levels can affect production calculations and viscosity.
What defines SLES?
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant used in many cleaning and personal-care preparations. “Texapon” is a familiar trade name, not a complete uniform raw-material specification. Supply grades differ in active content, water, salts and quality attributes, so check the technical sheet and lot certificate before calculating a formula or changing supplier.
Why salt can change thickness
Adding electrolyte to some SLES blends increases viscosity over a range and then may reduce it at higher levels. The curve depends on ingredient ratios, perfume, temperature and supplied grade. Test additions incrementally with documented viscosity measurement, then evaluate dispensing and stored stability. No single salt dose is right for every formula.
How would this be tested?
When switching SLES supply grades, calculate delivered active matter first and prepare equal-active trials. Incrementally test electrolyte effects under appropriate controlled procedures, recording viscosity after equilibration and at stated temperature. The peak of a salt-thickening curve can shift with betaine, perfume or salts already present in the raw material. Complete evaluation with storage and dispensing rather than relying on one viscosity reading.
Practical evaluation checklist
01
Request specifications and a certificate of analysis per lot.
02
Watch viscosity changes during salt addition.
03
Test fragrance and dye stability in the final base.
Scientific references
References for general scientific principles; they do not imply MS CHEM has performed tests or holds certifications.
General educational content, not an operating formula or a substitute for technical and safety assessment.
