Use of Alpha Olefin Sulfonate in Sulfate-Free Detergents
Surfactants are compounds commonly used in detergents that, when dissolved in a liquid such as water, reduce that liquid’s surface tension. Anionic surfactants ionize and carry a negative charge when added to water. This results in binding with positively charged particles within the water, improving the surfactant’s effectiveness at removing dirt and oil.
Alpha Olefin Sulfonate is a type of non-sulfate anionic surfactant widely used today in shampoos and other bath products due to its skin mildness, cleaning and foaming characteristics and its ability to mix well with water to remove dirt and oils. C14-16 olefin sulfonate is the most commonly used variation, with 14-16 indicating the average carbon chain length. It is generally produced in industrial quantities via petroleum cracking.
AOS-40 is a 40% solution of C14-16 olefin sulfonate used in a variety of household and personal care soaps and detergents. It exhibits several beneficial attributes that make it a popular active ingredient:
- Stable over a wide pH range
- Rapidly biodegradable
- Cold water soluble
- Hard water compatible
- Mild on skin
- Good foaming agent
- Compatible with other surfactants
- Can be used for sulfate-free products
Independent Chemical Corporation has proudly served the world’s best manufacturers since 1948 and stands ready today to deliver high demand compounds such as AOS-40 (CAS 68439-57-6). Our Glendale, NY facility is ISO-9001-2015 certified, meets cGMP, and is monitored by and complies with regulations of the U.S. food & Drug Agency, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the US Drug Enforcement Agency. We work as an extension for many of the world’s best manufacturers to package and warehouse their products and to provide “just-in-time” delivery to end users, both via our fleet of tankers and van trailers and contract carriers. Depending on the grade and type, we can offer products from railcar quantity down to 20-liter pails, and sometimes smaller. We strategically store products across the entire United States & Canada. Contact a sales associate today for any questions regarding availability and pricing.