Sustainability commitments and regulatory pressures are driving formulators to adapt their products to meet new challenges. One significant regulatory challenge in the industry is the limitation on dioxane content, effective since 2023 in some U.S. states, capping dioxane coming from ethoxylated surfactants at 1 ppm in final products. In Europe, a proposal aims to limit dioxane in surfactants to 1 ppm and achieve ‘dioxane-free’ wastewater, a technically less realistic approach, that has not been decided yet, but still threatens the surfactant supply chain in Europe, as ethoxylated surfactants are crucial for both home and personal care.
According to this regulation, surfactants producers and formulators are looking for different solutions. Some of them involve turning to alternative surfactants, which in many cases may be more expensive and less effective compared to traditionals. On the other hand, Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) offers a cost-effective and efficient solution, making it ideal for various formats, including liquid detergents and manual dishwashing liquids. LAS can meet dioxane regulations while providing cost and weight-efficient formulations.
This study examines the properties of LAS in manual dishwashing formulations. Prototype formulations based on LAS were prepared from a commercial formula based on Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). The prototypes were designed to be weight-efficient, high performing (degreasing, foaming, viscous), non-irritant, and compliant with existing dioxane regulation. A final LAS-based candidate was selected, and both LAS-based and commercial reference SLS-based formulas were evaluated in terms of dermal compatibility (Zein, TEWL, Cytotoxicity), rheology, foam (dynamic foam profile, stability), and cleaning efficacy against various stains. The study reveals that the LAS-based formula improves upon the SLS-based commercial formula, even with lower active matter content, making it more weight-efficient. Additionally, the use of LAS from NextLab® in this formulation reduces emissions by up to 60% compared to commercial reference.