The workhorse surfactants: LAS,alcohol sulfates,and ether sulfates

Relative market volumes are discussed illustrating why LAS, alcohol sulfates, alcohol ether sulfates, and branched chain alkylene benzene sulfonates are called “workhorse” surfactants. Typical heavy duty powder, heavy duty liquid, and light duty liquid formulations from around the world are given for each material. Low mole ether sulfates for heavy duty powders are discussed as to chemical constituency and performance. Comparisions of LAS to paraffin sulfonates and olefin sulfonates are given for light duty liquid formulations. Shampoo performance advantages of alcohol sulfates over olefin sulfates are illustrated.