Over the past few years, consumers have become more discerning about the ingredients in their personal care products. They’re no longer just looking for something that cleans effectively—they want formulas that are gentle on the skin, environmentally friendly, and safe for long-term use.

Modern shoppers are paying closer attention to the chemicals they apply to their skin daily. Harsh ingredients can lead to irritation, dryness, or even allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin. This growing awareness has pushed brands to develop gentler, more skin-friendly alternatives without compromising cleansing power.

One of the key components in personal care products is anionic surfactants, which act as cleansing and foaming agents. Texapon® N70T (Sodium Laureth Sulfate/SLES) has long been the industry standard in shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. 

However, with the rise of milder options like Plantapon® LGC Sorb, many formulators are now rethinking their approach. So, how do these two surfactants compare, and which one is the best fit for your formulations?

The Role of Surfactants in Personal Care

Anionic surfactants play a vital role in personal care formulations, offering:

  • Surface tension reduction for better cleansing performance
  • Oil and dirt emulsification, making them easier to rinse off
  • Foam formation, which enhances the user experience

Texapon® N70T has been widely used due to its strong cleansing ability and rich foaming properties. 

However, as demand for milder alternatives grows, Plantapon® LGC Sorb is becoming the go-to choice—particularly for sensitive-skin formulations.

Texapon® N70T vs. Plantapon® LGC Sorb Comparison

To help you understand the pros and cons of each anionic surfactant, here’s a detailed comparison:

Criteria

Texapon® N70T (SLES)

Plantapon® LGC Sorb

Surfactant Type

Anionic, Sulfate (FAES)

Anionic, Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG)

Cleansing Power

Strong, effectively removes oil and dirt

High, but gentler on the skin

Mildness

Can cause irritation on sensitive skin

Extremely mild, ideal for babies & sensitive skin

Skin Compatibility

May lead to dryness or irritation over time

Clinically proven to be gentler

Foaming Ability

Quick foam formation, high volume

Stable foam, effective even at low pH

pH Stability

Stable at pH 5-7

Stable at pH 4-10

Biodegradability

Biodegradable, but slower degradation

Readily biodegradable & eco-friendly

Best Suited For

Deep cleansing shampoos & body washes

Baby products, sensitive skin, clean beauty formulations

Foam characteristics play a crucial role in personal care formulations, impacting both cleansing efficiency and user experience. The following graph presents the results of the Sita Rotor-Foam Test, comparing the foam of Plantapon® LGC Sorb and Texapon® N70T (FAES) when combined with Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB).

Figure 1. Foam Behavior Test Texapon® N70T vs. Plantapon® LGC SorbSource: BASF

The test was conducted at 3% Active Substance (AS), a temperature of 30°C, and a rotation speed of 1,300 rpm. The results show that Plantapon® LGC Sorb generates foam more quickly and in greater volume than Texapon® N70T, making it a more efficient choice for formulations that prioritize mildness without compromising foam performance.

Dermatological Testing: In Vivo Skin Compatibility

Based on a 24-hour Patch Test conducted on 20 individuals using a 1% active substance concentration, Plantapon® LGC Sorb demonstrated significantly lower irritation levels compared to Texapon® N70T or SLES. The following graph illustrates that Plantapon® LGC Sorb has a lower total irritation score than SLES, making it a better choice for mild surfactant-based products.

Figure 2. Irritation scores from a 24-hour Patch Test on 20 individuals with 1% active substance concentration.Source: BASF

This study measured irritation levels based on erythema (redness), squamation (skin peeling), edema (swelling), and fissure (skin cracking). The results show that Texapon® N70T/SLES had an irritation score of 4.35, whereas Plantapon® LGC Sorb scored only 0.4, indicating that Plantapon® is much gentler on the skin.

Benefits of Plantapon® LGC Sorb

Plantapon® LGC Sorb offers a solution that is not only effective in cleansing but also helps maintain the skin's natural balance without causing irritation or dryness.

  1. Exceptionally Mild & Ideal for Sensitive Skin
  • Made with Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate & Lauryl Glucoside, a gentler alternative to sulfates
  • Helps maintain skin hydration without stripping natural moisture
  1. Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable
  • Derived from natural ingredients and breaks down faster than SLES, reducing environmental impact
  • Lowers marine pollution caused by traditional surfactants
  1. Stable Foam & Works at Low pH
  • Foam stability remains effective even at pH as low as 4
  • Ideal for low pH products like facial cleansers and baby shampoos
  1. Perfect for Clean Beauty Formulations
  • Sulfate-free, aligning with the rising trend of natural & organic personal care
  • More compatible with active ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid, especially those that work well in low-pH formulations.

Plantapon® LGC Sorb Applications in Personal Care Products

Thanks to its mild yet effective properties, Plantapon® LGC Sorb is now a staple in:

  • Sulfate-free shampoos
  • Gentle facial cleansers
  • Baby shampoos & skincare
  • Hydrating & sensitive-skin body washes
  • Feminine hygiene cleansers

Its compatibility with other surfactants and active ingredients makes it an excellent choice for modern formulations.

If you need a high-foaming, deep-cleansing anionic surfactant, Texapon® N70T remains a solid choice. But if your goal is mildness, skin safety, and sustainability, then Plantapon® LGC Sorb is the smarter alternative.

As demand grows for skin-friendly and eco-conscious products, Plantapon® is quickly becoming the preferred surfactant in Indonesia’s personal care industry. Find your solutions with Bahtera here.