SLSa (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate)

Slsa

SLSa is 100% natural as it comes from coconut oil and palm oil. SLSa is a very mild surfactant. A surfactant is a surface acting agent that causes bubbles. (Although sometimes surfactants are emulsifiers, this surfactant is a foaming agent).

INCI Name: Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

Shelf Life: 2 years

Use Rate: 1-50%

Active Surfactant Matter: 65%

Charge: Anionic

Solubility: Water

Appearance: Fine white powder

Odor: None

Storing: Store in a cool dark place.

Want to know more about surfactants?

To learn more in depth about surfactants, check out the surfactants explained post.

Versatile

The nice thing about SLSa is that it is very versatile, it can be used on basically all skin and hair types. Another benefit is that it is free of sulfates.

Let’s talk about the bubbles

SLSa is made of very small particles that dissolve quickly. (This is why it is commonly used in bath bombs).  The bubbles that this surfactant creates are long lasting and the lather is thicker.

Caution

You always want to use cation when working with SLSa, as the particles are so fine. Be sure to always wear a face mask. I swear, the little particles are lighter than air. Any movement and they are floating up in the air. 

Surfactant Use Calculator

When working with any surfactant, you are going to want to run your formula through a surfactant calculator. I use the one from Making Skincare that can be found here.

Looking for recipes that use SLSa?