Top 10 Essential Chemicals for Cleaning & Personal Care Manufacturing
Innovation-led bulk supply for UK manufacturers, private label brands & contract fillers.
Innovation Chem • UK ManufacturerFrom high-efficiency surfactants to dependable solvents and acids, a handful of raw materials power most cleaning and personal care formulations. Below we highlight ten essentials, why formulators choose them, key applications, and a link to the corresponding Innovation Chem product page for technical data and bulk supply.
1) Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES)
What it does: Primary anionic surfactant delivering high foaming, detergency and good skin feel.
2) Polysorbate 20
What it does: Non-ionic emulsifier/solubiliser for fragrances and essential oils in aqueous systems.
3) Polysorbate 80
What it does: Non-ionic emulsifier/solubiliser better suited to heavier oils and lipophilic actives.
4) Citric Acid (50%)
What it does: Biobased acidulant/chelating aid for pH adjustment and scale removal.
5) Sodium Hydroxide (32%)
What it does: Strong base for pH control, saponification and heavy-duty cleaning power.
6) Isopropyl Alcohol 99.9% (IPA)
What it does: Fast-evaporating solvent for degreasing, sanitising and water displacement.
7) Sodium Hypochlorite (15%)
What it does: Chlorine-based oxidising agent for bleaching and disinfection.
8) Acetic Acid (85%)
What it does: Organic acid for descaling, pH adjustment and rinse-aid effects.
9) Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether (DPM)
What it does: Powerful, slower-evaporating solvent/coalescent improving soil removal and film formation.
10) Manufacturing-Grade Fragrance Oils
What they do: Define the product signature across home & personal care lines.
Browse examples: Lavish Laundry • Strong Oud • Madagascan Vanilla • Seychelles Island
Bonus: Sodium Thioglycolate (46%)
What it does: Specialist reducing agent and active (e.g., wheel/fallout cleaners, depilatory systems).
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