Alcohol ether sulfates in shampoos

Abstract

AbstractMono‐, di‐ and triethanolamine sulfates of several different molecular weight alcohol ether sulfates were formulated into shampoos. The ethylene oxide content of the alcohol ethoxylates varied from about 20 to 60%, although 40% was usual. The shampoo formulation was 20% active ether sulfate and 5% foam stabilizer. Lauric diethanolamide and amine oxides were used as foam stabilizers.The shampoos were tested for quality and quantity of foam, viscosity and cloud point. Although no “hair effects” tests were run, a limited home use test was made.Alcohol ether sulfate shampoos are equal or superior to several popular commercial products on the basis of a laboratory foam test. They are comparable in foam to alcohol sulfates in similar formulations. Cloud points of these shampoos were generally good. Amine oxide foam stabilizers reduced the cloud point more than the amide. Viscosities of the shampoos were readily controllable. Although the choice of alkanolamine, alcohol molecular weight and degree of ethoxylation had some effect on these properties, none were highly critical; this allows considerable leeway in their selection. The home use tests assured us that these shampoos were not obviously deficient in the desired “hair effect” properties. The literature records that alcohol ether sulfates are preferred to alcohol sulfates for low skin and eye irritation.By varying the free oil (unsulfated ethoxylate) content and making the proper choice of ether sulfate and foam stabilizer, bright and clear liquid shampoos with viscosities from about 10 centipoise to over 50,000 centipoise were made. The latter are essentially gels. Paste shampoos were also made from these ether sulfates.