The sulfate-free, high active aqueous anionic surfactant to meet the current needs of a broad spectrum of applications with the foam, detergency and wetting benefits of Ether Sulfates and Sulfates in a single product.IntroductionAt Innospec our surfactant range provides endless opportunities for effective surfactancy that are sulfate-free, EO free and 1,4-dioxane free. Our surfactant range also consists of performance concentrates that help the formulator with ease of handling and compact solutions. We are the go-to suppliers in formulating with surfactants.Under the NANSA® LSS brand is a range of globally approved Alpha Olefin Sulfonate (AOS) based products that are designed to have excellent detergency and foam and good wetting power to suit the Home and Personal Care market. They are also an exceptional replacement for Ethoxylated Sulfates, notably being 1,4-dioxane free.
Here we delve into the benefits of this chemistry and a new launch for Innospec in the range, NANSA® LSS 70 (INCI: Sodium C14-16 Alpha Olefin Sulfonate).
BackgroundAs the Home and Personal Care industry faces increased legislation and restrictions on chemical use, Innospec is here to help their customers to navigate these implications and innovate to aid acceptable chemical use in applications for the future.One example of this is the presence of 1,4-dioxane in surfactants and Home and Personal Care products. Many regions are establishing regulations and limits for 1,4-dioxane in consumer products to mitigate risks.
1,4-dioxane is a synthetic substance that remains as a trace impurity in ethoxylated (EO) surfactants and end-user products. It is persistent and mobile, meaning it doesn’t easily break down in the environment and can travel through water systems. Concerns have been raised about the potential for it to be present in recycled drinking water and being difficult to remove. With efforts underway to reduce its presence and mitigate exposure risks, the potential impact of this may lead to restrictions on surfactants, supply issues, cost differences or even bans.
A commonly used anionic surfactant in Home and Personal Care cleansing applications is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). This is a low priced, high demand and supply, versatile anionic surfactant known for its ability to create rich lather and effective removal of dirt and oil. While SLES is a very common ingredient in Home and Personal Care, it’s not without potential drawbacks and suppliers and consumers may be looking for alternative options that provide similar benefits but are both Sulfate and EO free.
Innospec has been working towards an all-encompassing solution to satisfy demand for SLES replacement, introducing NANSA® LSS series of AOS.
CompositionNANSA® LSS series of AOS is an anionic surfactant obtained by sulfonating C14-16 Olefin. It is actually a mixture of 2,3-Alkene Sulfonate (~70%) and 3-Hydroxyalkane Sulfonate (~30%). This means the Sulfonate group imparts resistance to acid hydrolysis giving it a formulating pH range greater than Alkyl Ether Sulfates. The Alkene Sulfonate contributes to solubility, foaming and detergent properties whilst the Hydroxyalkane Sulfonate contributes to viscosity.BenefitsThe key benefits of NANSA® LSS series include:
Sulfated surfactants, EO, Nitrosamine and 1,4-dioxane free
Moderate irritant on skin and can be co-formulated to be mild
Voluminous foam as stable as Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLE2S)
Luxurious and creamy foam as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Superior foaming at low T and with high fat and oil load
Excellent detergency
Superior wetting ability under adverse conditions
Stable across a wide range of pH
Hard water tolerance
Stable in both acid and alkali
Viscosity modification with NaCl
No aquatic toxicity (no H400 phrases)
Readily biodegradable in aerobic conditions
Available in liquid and dried forms
ApplicationTypical applications of NANSA® LSS series in Home and Personal Care include:
Laundry Powders Liquids and Sheets
Manual Dishwash powders and liquids
Surface Cleaners
Vehicle Cleaners
Toilet Bowl Fresheners and Blocks
Toilet Bowl cleaners – acidic
Shampoo
Shower Gel
Facial Cleanser
Bubble Bath
Liquid and Bar Soaps
Toothpaste
Baby Wash
AOS MildnessZein testing is an in-vitro method of screening for the solubilisation of Zein used as an indicator of skin irritancy. AOS demonstrates a moderate irritancy profile in Zein testing when compared against other commonly used surfactants. It is milder than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and can be formulated into mild formulations when combined with the correct co-surfactants such as betaines, amphoacetates and glucosides to reduce irritation potential.AOS Foam QualityAOS produces voluminous, stable foam comparable to Alkyl Ether Sulfates with superior foam stability in comparison to Alkyl Sulfates.AOS produces luxurious, creamy foam similar to Alkyl Sulfates with superior foam quality in comparison to Alkyl Ether Sulfates.
Wetting Power in ApplicationAOS is known for its excellent wetting power, which is a key factor in their use in various applications like detergents, personal care products, and industrial cleaning agents. AOS effectively reduces the surface tension of liquids, allowing them to spread easily and penetrate surfaces more effectively. This is crucial for tasks like cleaning, where the surfactant needs to wet the surface to lift dirt and grime.Introducing NANSA® LSS 70Due to the demand for SLES at both low and high liquid concentration, Innospec has designed a new NANSA® LSS grade to the series, NANSA® LSS 70, which is an alternative for those using SLES at 70% active. NANSA® LSS 70 is a high active aqueous solution of Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate which is flowable at temperatures higher than 55°C.Benefits for the formulatorWith all of the benefits of an AOS chemistry, NANSA® LSS 70 has further benefits to the formulator:
Pumpable paste at temperature higher than 55°C
High Active anionic matter: typically 68%
Suitable for the preparation of super concentrated detergent systems
Compatible over a broad pH range: AOS is a sulphonate and is not prone to hydrolysis (which happens for SLES 70 as it is a Sulphate)
Compatible with high temperatures: No risk of thermal hydrolysis (which happens for SLES 70)
Hard water tolerant: AOS Calcium and Magnesium salts are fully water soluble
No preservative
Moderate irritant on skin
Optimized logistics – ship less water and more active
For the full range of the NANSA® LSS series or for guidance in formulating as a replacement for SLES, please come and discuss your formulation needs.
Visit us at Sepawa 2025, stand A140-143!
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MAGAZINEVol. 20|Vol. 20 (5) - September / October 2025|Editorial
“Contents from Magazine” offers curated articles and insights from the personal and home care industry, focusing on ingredients, innovative technologies, sustainability, and regulatory developments.
