MEA-Lauryl Sulphate has very good foaming, emulsifying and thickening properties. It is used in cosmetics for hygiene and care, such as shampoos, shower gels or mouthwashes. It is also used in the production of industrial detergents, fire extinguishing agents and in production processes of e.g. resins.

This surfactant belongs to a wide group of chemical compounds having surface properties. MEA-Lauryl Sulphate has very good foaming, emulsifying and thickening properties. It is used in cosmetics for hygiene and care, such as shampoos, shower gels or mouthwashes. It is also used in the production of industrial detergents, fire extinguishing agents and in production processes of e.g. resins.

MEA-Lauryl Sulphate – general characteristics

MEA-Lauryl Sulphate is a mixture of chemical compounds based on anionic surfactants. It is also known as: Monoethanolamine Lauryl Sulphate. Both names are used in the INCI system, which refers specifically to the ingredients of cosmetic products. MEA-Lauryl Sulphate is a surfactant that belongs to the group of alkyl sulphates. It also contains lactic acid as a preservative, which guarantees the microbiological purity of the product. MEA-Lauryl Sulphate is offered by the PCC Group. It is produced by PCC Exol S.A., which is one of the most important producers of surfactants and chemical formulations in Central and Eastern Europe. The commercial product contains from 26.5 to 27.5% of the active substance.

Properties:

• clear liquid (at room temperature),
• Klett colour: max 30,
• distinctive odour,
• pH: from 3.0 to 4.0,
• molar mass: approx. 334 g/mol,
• good solubility in water
• density: approx. 1.03 g/ml.

Applications

MEA-Lauryl Sulphate is used primarily as an ingredient in skin and hair care products, as well as in make-up cosmetics. It is an example of a surfactant with very good foaming properties. It facilitates foam formation and also affects its stability within the system. This feature is used in shampoos, shower gels, face wash foams and other rinse-off personal care cosmetics. It has a mild effect. It is used in most formulations for sensitive skin. In products, it is very effective and does not cause skin irritation.

Foaming and washing properties of MEA-Lauryl Sulphate make it a perfect component of cleaning and washing detergents. The ability to produce large amounts of stable foam allows MEA-Lauryl Sulphate to be used as one of the components of fire fighting foam concentrates in the fire fighting industry. This mixture of surfactants is also used in the production of latex rubbers and resins. It acts as an emulsifier, i.e. a substance that facilitates the formation of an emulsion, which is a system consisting of two immiscible phases, e.g. water and oil. This is possible thanks to the chemical structure of MEA-Lauryl Sulphate, containing both hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups.

In addition to foaming and emulsifying properties, MEA-Lauryl Sulphate has also thickening properties. It is highly compatible with anionic, non-ionic and amphoteric surfactants. This surfactant is perfect for formulations with high clarity and low cloud point.

Applications of MEA-Lauryl Sulphate:

• shampoos,
• shower gels,
• facial toners,
• hair cosmetics,
• mouthwashes,
• hygiene and care products for children,
• fire extinguishing agents,
• latex rubbers and resins,
• washing liquids,
• carpet and upholstery detergents.