Overview
Sodium stearyl sulfate (CAS 1120-04-3 ), also known as sodium octadecyl sulfate, is an anionic surfactant derived from stearyl alcohol. It functions as an emulsifier, dispersant, and foam-control agent across a broad range of industrial and consumer-facing formulations.
In personal care and cosmetics, it acts as a primary or co-surfactant in cleansing products, shampoos, and skin-conditioning formulations where controlled lather and emulsification are required.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as an excipient in tablet coatings and topical preparations to improve active ingredient dispersion and wetting. This ensures consistent delivery of the active components in various medical applications.
In textile and paper processing, it supports fiber wetting, dye dispersion, and surface treatment operations where uniform penetration is critical to end-product quality. This helps maintain high standards in manufacturing.
Printing and packaging applications leverage its dispersing properties to stabilize pigment suspensions and improve ink adhesion on treated substrates. This versatility makes it a staple in industrial chemical inventories.
Sodium stearyl sulfate is supplied as a white to off-white powder or waxy solid. It is available in technical and cosmetic-grade specifications, with purity levels typically ranging from 90% to 99% depending on the application.
Pharmaceutical-grade material conforming to USP or Ph.Eur. standards is also commercially available for regulated manufacturing environments. These high-quality grades ensure compliance with strict safety and efficacy protocols.
Contact us for supply of Sodium stearyl sulfate
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 211-213 °C(lit.) |
| Appearance | White to light yellowish-beige powder |
| Color | White to light yellow-beige |
| Form | Powder |
| Water Solubility | Soluble in water. |
Safety & Handling
Warning GHS07 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29209090 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
| WGK (Germany) | 2 |
Other Names
Related Products
Chemical Properties
- CAS Number
- 1120-04-3
- EC Number
- 214-295-0
- Mol. Weight
- 372.5
- HS Code
- 29209090
- Category
- Salts & Minerals