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Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend and Forecast

UNSPC code: 51473905
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⟳ Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026

sodium lauryl ether sulfate Price Trends by Country

inIndia
cnChina
myMalaysia
aeUnited Arab Emirates
vnVietnam
usUnited States

sodium lauryl ether sulfate Pricing Trends in India: 

  • Northern India sodium lauryl ether sulfate market price trend
  • Southern India sodium lauryl ether sulfate market price trend
  • Central India sodium lauryl ether sulfate market price trend

Global sodium lauryl ether sulfate Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

According to PriceWatch, Q2 2025 saw the SLES price trend in China surge by 33.3%, reaching USD 1301 per metric ton, marking a substantial price increase. This dramatic rise was fueled by a sharp uptick in demand from key sectors such as cosmetics, cleaning, and personal care. Supply chain disruptions, combined with a constrained supply, amplified the price hike. Global demand for SLES surged, particularly in emerging markets, further supporting the upward trend.

Malaysia, importing SLES from China, recorded an 8.9% price increase, reaching USD 1716 per metric ton. This increase reflected tightening global supply and growing demand for personal care and industrial products. Local market growth in Malaysia was buoyed by steady consumption in the hygiene and cosmetics sectors, despite ongoing global challenges. 

Also read: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Price Forecast

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2025

According to PriceWatch, Q2 2025 saw the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) price trend in China surge by 33.3%, reaching USD 1301 per metric ton, marking a substantial price increase. This dramatic rise was fueled by a sharp uptick in demand from key sectors such as cosmetics, cleaning, and personal care. Supply chain disruptions, combined with a constrained supply, amplified the price hike. Global demand for SLES surged, particularly in emerging markets, further supporting the upward trend.

Malaysia, importing SLES from China, recorded an 8.9% price increase, reaching USD 1716 per metric ton. This increase reflected tightening global supply and growing demand for personal care and industrial products. Local market growth in Malaysia was buoyed by steady consumption in the hygiene and cosmetics sectors, despite ongoing global challenges. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q1 2025

In Q1 2025, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) price trend showed a strong rebound in China, with a reported 8.6% price increase, reaching USD 1007 per metric ton, according to PriceWatch. This surge was driven by recovery in demand from both domestic and international markets, particularly within the personal care and cleaning sectors. Improved industrial production and steady demand for SLES across various formulations led to higher prices.

Malaysia, which imports SLES from China, mirrored this trend, with a 7.7% price increase, reaching USD 1634 per metric ton. The Malaysian market’s growth was also due to consistent local demand, particularly for personal care products. Rising input costs from China, along with steady domestic consumption, pushed prices higher, supporting the market’s recovery despite global uncertainties. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, the SLES price trend in China, according to PriceWatch, faced a decline of 8.5%, reaching USD 927 per metric ton, largely due to seasonal variations and weakened demand from key industrial sectors. An oversupply in the market and a slowdown in manufacturing activities further exacerbated the drop. Logistical disruptions and global economic uncertainties contributed to reduced export demand, negatively impacting the market.

Meanwhile, Malaysia experienced a 6.7% price increase, reaching USD 1518 per metric ton, driven by consistent local demand in personal care and cleaning industries. Despite weaker global market conditions, the Malaysian market benefited from overall demand stability, allowing prices to rise even in a globally uncertain environment. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q3 2024

According to PriceWatch, Q3 2024 saw significant price fluctuations in the SLES price trend, particularly in China, where prices surged by 21.1%, reaching USD 993 per metric ton. This sharp increase was attributed to strong demand from both domestic industries and international export markets. The cosmetics and cleaning sectors, in particular, experienced robust growth, leading to upward pressure on prices. Supply chain constraints and logistical challenges further supported the price hike.

Malaysia, importing SLES from China, recorded a 1.3% price increase, reaching USD 1423 per metric ton. Although China’s prices surged, Malaysia’s increase remained more modest due to stable local demand and relatively stable availability of SLES. Local demand for personal care products helped mitigate the impact of global price volatility. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2024

In Q2 2024, PriceWatch reported a 1.8% price increase, reaching USD 836 per metric ton, for SLES in China, driven by steady demand from the cosmetics and household cleaning sectors. The supply chain also began to stabilize, supporting this price uptick. However, the growth remained subdued due to lingering concerns over global economic conditions, which dampened overall consumption.

Malaysia, importing SLES from China, experienced a more pronounced 5.8% price increase, reaching USD 1405 per metric ton. This surge was attributed to higher domestic demand for personal care products, along with the recovery of the supply chain. As local manufacturers faced rising raw material costs, they passed these costs on to consumers, especially within the cosmetics and hygiene sectors. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q1 2024

According to PriceWatch, the SLES price trend in Q1 2024 showed mixed trends in China and Malaysia. China experienced a 3.9% price decline, reaching USD 821 per metric ton, driven by weakened demand from key sectors such as detergents and personal care. Domestic industrial activity slowed down, and export demand was lower, contributing to the price drop.

Conversely, Malaysia, which imports SLES from China, saw a moderate 2.1% price increase, reaching USD 1328 per metric ton. This rise was supported by steady demand from the personal care and cleaning sectors, where SLES remains a vital ingredient. Despite challenges in China, the Malaysian market benefited from stable local consumption, reflecting steady demand in key industries, especially in personal care. 

India sodium lauryl ether sulfate Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q1 2025

The first quarter of 2025 saw a significant rebound in India’s SLES market, with a robust 11.1% price increase, reaching USD 1583 per metric ton, according to PriceWatch. This surge was driven by strong domestic demand, particularly in personal care products and household cleaning items, as well as improved export opportunities. The recovery in the global market and steady local consumption supported the price growth.

Additionally, rising input costs and logistical improvements played a role in further pushing prices upwards. The FOB prices also saw a rise of 10.8%, reaching USD 1618 per metric ton, reflecting the continued upward trend in the Indian market for SLES, largely driven by stronger demand and increased manufacturing activity in the region. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2025

In Q2 2025, India’s Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) price trend experienced an 8.3% increase, reaching USD 1715 per metric ton, as reported by PriceWatch. The steady demand from key sectors like personal care, cleaning, and industrial applications contributed to this continued price rise. The domestic market remained resilient, with personal care demand being a significant driver for the SLES market.

The FOB prices also showed a similar upward trend, rising by 8.2% to USD 1736 per metric ton. The strong market growth was further supported by stable supply chains, improved manufacturing capacities, and consistent demand for SLES in consumer products, despite global uncertainties and inflationary pressures. The price growth reflected India’s growing domestic consumption and robust demand for SLES-based products. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q1 2024

In Q1 2024, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) market in India saw a modest 1.3% rise, reaching USD 1231 per metric ton, driven by stable demand from the domestic personal care and cleaning sectors. Despite some challenges in global markets, local consumption remained relatively stable, especially in the personal care sector. The demand for SLES was bolstered by consistent consumer activity, which led to this mild price increase.

Additionally, the market saw some support from raw material cost adjustments, although the overall demand for SLES remained moderate due to factors like ongoing global economic uncertainties. The FOB prices also mirrored this trend, with a similar 1.3% price increase, reaching USD 1266 per metric ton, reflecting the market dynamics in India. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q2 2024

In Q2 2024, India saw a more notable 5.8% price increase, reaching USD 1302 per metric ton, in the SLES market, driven by strong demand in both the personal care and household cleaning sectors. According to PriceWatch, the rise was supported by a recovery in local manufacturing activity and improved consumption patterns across multiple industries.

The supply chain, which had faced some disruption earlier, showed signs of stabilizing, further contributing to the price growth. The FOB prices saw a similar rise of 5.7%, reaching USD 1337 per metric ton, in line with the overall market trend. The increase reflected the ongoing steady demand within India’s domestic market for SLES, especially in sectors like cosmetics, where demand continued to grow. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q3 2024

In Q3 2024, the Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) market in India saw a more moderate price increase of 1.9%, reaching USD 1327 per metric ton. The PriceWatch data indicated that while demand remained stable in key sectors such as personal care and cleaning, the pace of price growth decelerated compared to earlier quarters. The slower rate of increase was partly due to some market adjustments and the stabilization of supply chains.

The FOB prices showed a similar trend with a 1.8% rise, reaching USD 1362 per metric ton, reflecting less volatile pricing dynamics. While demand remained steady, both local manufacturers and consumers began to adjust to more stable market conditions, leading to a more modest price increase. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, India’s SLES market experienced a significant price increase of 7.4%, reaching USD 1425 per metric ton, as reported by PriceWatch. This surge was driven by the continued demand in the personal care and cleaning sectors, which showed resilience despite global economic challenges. The price increase was also supported by higher input costs and slight supply constraints.

India’s local consumption continued to rise, particularly in the personal care industry, where SLES is a key ingredient in products like shampoos and body washes. The FOB prices mirrored the market trend, rising by 7.2% to USD 1460 per metric ton. The overall price hike in India was attributed to increased demand coupled with supply-side pressures. 

Global sodium lauryl ether sulfate Supply Chain

Upstream
  • Coconut oil
  • Lauryl Alcohol
Downstream
  • Personal care and Household cleaning products, including shampoos, liquid soaps, and dishwashing detergents
  • Facial cleansers, contributing to their cleansing and emulsifying abilities.
  • Lubricant, Dyeing agent, Cleanser, Foaming agent, and Degreasing agent.
Major supplying countries
  • China
  • India
Major importing countries
  • Malaysia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Vietnam
  • USA

India sodium lauryl ether sulfate Supply Chain

Upstream
  • Coconut oil
  • Lauryl Alcohol
Downstream
  • Personal care and Household cleaning products, including shampoos, liquid soaps, and dishwashing detergents
  • Facial cleansers, contributing to their cleansing and emulsifying abilities.
  • Lubricant, Dyeing agent, Cleanser, Foaming agent, and Degreasing agent.
Major supplying countries
  • China
  • India
Major importing countries
  • Malaysia
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Vietnam
  • USA

Technical Specifications of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Price Trends

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

288.38 g/mol

CAS No

68891-38-3

HS Code

34021190

Molecular Formula

C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S
sodium lauryl ether sulfate

Packaging Type

Drum

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Grades Covered

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) 28%,

Incoterms Used

FOB Qingdao, Ex-Gujrat, FOB JNPT, CIF Penang, CIF Jebel Ali, CIF Haiphong, CIF Houston.

Synonym

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, SLES, Sodium Laureth Sulphate

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28MT

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

Appearance  Colourless to Pale Yellow 
Active Matter %  70 + / – 2 
pH (1% Aqueous Solution)  6.5 – 8.5 
Sodium Sulphate %  3.0 Max 
Sodium Chloride %  0.5 Max 
Un-Sulfated Matter %  2.5 Max 
1- 4 Dioxane ppm  30 Max 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Industrial Applications

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) is widely used in various applications due to its effective surfactant properties. In personal care products, it serves as a cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, providing a rich lather. In household cleaning products, SLES enhances the cleaning efficiency of detergents, dish soaps, and surface cleaners. Additionally, it is utilized in industrial applications, such as in textile and paper manufacturing, where it aids in emulsifying and wetting processes. Its versatility and effectiveness make SLES a popular choice across multiple sectors. 

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate prices

  • COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): The initial lockdowns resulted in a decline in demand for SLES as various industries slowed down. However, the pandemic underscored the importance of hygiene and personal care products, leading to a dramatic surge in demand for SLES. By mid-2021, prices rose by approximately 20% as manufacturers responded to the increased need for cleaning agents and personal care items. 
  • U.S.-China Trade War (2018-2019): The imposition of tariffs on chemicals had a noticeable impact on the SLES market. Rising production costs and disruptions in supply chains created significant challenges for manufacturers, resulting in price fluctuations of around 10-15%. 
  • Global Supply Chain Disruptions (2017-2018): Natural disasters and geopolitical tensions impacted the availability of essential raw materials for SLES production, particularly in regions like China and Southeast Asia. These disruptions led to a temporary price increase of about 15-20% due to supply constraints. 


These events underscore the SLES market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global sodium lauryl ether sulfate price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the sodium lauryl ether sulfate market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence sodium lauryl ether sulfate prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely sodium lauryl ether sulfate market data.

Track PriceWatch's sodium lauryl ether sulfate price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major SLES production hubs. This on-the-ground insight is essential for grasping the localized market dynamics. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire SLES supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., coconut oil, palm kernel oil) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics. 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact SLES prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on SLES production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks. 
  • Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., personal care, household products), to predict shifts in SLES demand and corresponding price movements.

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global SLES production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately. 
  • Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming SLES production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, including packaging, automotive, and construction. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global SLES pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast SLES prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power. 
  • Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This includes best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping our clients prepare for a range of market outcomes. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable SLES pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

288.38 g/mol

CAS No

68891-38-3

HS Code

34021190

Molecular Formula

C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S
sodium lauryl ether sulfate

Packaging Type

Drum

Grades Covered

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) 28%,

Incoterms Used

FOB Qingdao, Ex-Gujrat, FOB JNPT, CIF Penang, CIF Jebel Ali, CIF Haiphong, CIF Houston.

Synonym

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, SLES, Sodium Laureth Sulphate

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

25-28MT

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

Appearance  Colourless to Pale Yellow 
Active Matter %  70 + / – 2 
pH (1% Aqueous Solution)  6.5 – 8.5 
Sodium Sulphate %  3.0 Max 
Sodium Chloride %  0.5 Max 
Un-Sulfated Matter %  2.5 Max 
1- 4 Dioxane ppm  30 Max 

Applications

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) is widely used in various applications due to its effective surfactant properties. In personal care products, it serves as a cleansing and foaming agent in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers, providing a rich lather. In household cleaning products, SLES enhances the cleaning efficiency of detergents, dish soaps, and surface cleaners. Additionally, it is utilized in industrial applications, such as in textile and paper manufacturing, where it aids in emulsifying and wetting processes. Its versatility and effectiveness make SLES a popular choice across multiple sectors. 

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate Market Price Trend provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for sodium lauryl ether sulfate. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The cost of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) is affected by various factors, such as the prices of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and overall market demand. The primary raw materials for SLES production, such as palm oil or coconut oil, can fluctuate in price due to agricultural conditions and global trade policies. Additionally, the manufacturing process can impact the cost; more efficient production methods may lower prices. Market demand for SLES in industries such as personal care, household cleaning, and industrial applications also plays a significant role. Suppliers may adjust prices based on trends and shifts in demand, making it essential to monitor these factors for optimal procurement.

To ensure competitive pricing for Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES), it’s crucial to adopt a strategic sourcing approach. Begin by conducting market research to identify multiple suppliers and their pricing structures. Engaging in long-term contracts can provide stability in pricing and supply. Furthermore, exploring bulk purchasing can help you benefit from economies of scale. Regularly reviewing supplier performance and maintaining open communication can also foster better pricing negotiations. Finally, staying updated on market trends and potential disruptions can help you make informed sourcing decisions, allowing you to capitalize on favourable pricing.

Establishing long-term contracts for Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) offers several benefits, including price stability and predictable supply. Long-term agreements often lead to better pricing due to the commitment from both parties, which can help mitigate the impact of market fluctuations. Additionally, having a reliable supplier can ensure consistent quality and availability, reducing the risk of production disruptions. Procurement heads should also consider negotiating favourable terms, such as volume discounts and flexible delivery schedules, to maximize value in their long-term contracts.

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