Detergent and Hygiene

What are the raw materials for detergents?

The detergent raw materials used in the production of cleaning and hygiene products play an essential role in their quality, efficacy, and safety. These compounds not only determine the product’s cleaning power but also directly influence its skin compatibility, chemical stability, and environmental impact.

The precise and standardized selection of raw materials guarantees the production of effective, safe, and environmentally friendly products that preserve the health of the individual and the community.

The chemical raw materials used in cleaning and hygiene products are typically divided into two categories:

1. Personal Care Raw Materials

Personal Care detergent raw materials include Surfactants, Humectants, Solvents, Preservatives, Viscosity Modifiers (Thickeners), and Emulsifiers. These are used in the production of various shampoos, soaps, facial and body washes, toothpastes, and baby care products.

2. Home Care Raw Materials

Home Care raw materials comprise Surfactants, Bleaching Agents, Enzymes, Emulsifiers, Anti-Foam Agents, Preservatives, and Stabilizers. These are utilized in the manufacturing of household cleaners such as dishwashing liquid, laundry liquid, laundry powder, toilet bowl cleaner, concentrated bleach, and multi-purpose cleaners.

The chemical raw materials used in the formulation of household detergents include Surfactants, Bleaching Agents, Enzymes, Emulsifiers, Anti-Foam Agents, Preservatives, and Stabilizers. These compounds have a key role in enhancing cleaning power, formulation stability, and improving the final product’s quality, and are used in the production of various household cleaning products like dish, laundry, and surface cleaners, etc.

Detergent Raw Materials and Their Types

The various chemical raw materials used in the manufacturing of detergent and hygiene products can be categorized into several key and principal classes:

Surfactants (Surface Active Agents)
Surfactants are among the most essential components in the formulation of cleaning and detergent products. They play a decisive role in reducing surface tension, removing grease and soil, creating foam, and improving material dispersion. These compounds are classified into several categories based on their ionic charge:

Anionic Surfactants: Such as Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) and Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate.

Cationic Surfactants: Such as Esterquat.

Amphoteric Surfactants: Such as Cocamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB).

Nonionic Surfactants: Such as Coconut Fatty Acid Diethanolamide (often referred to as Cocamide DEA or Lauramide DEA).

Emulsifiers
Emulsifiers help to improve the texture, appearance, and stability of the final product by preventing the separation of phases.

Solvents
Solvents in detergents are compounds used to dissolve other materials and create a uniform solution in the product formulation. The selection of the appropriate type and concentration of the solvent directly impacts the final product’s stability, safety, and efficacy.

Antimicrobial Agents, Preservatives, and Antioxidants
These include compounds such as Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate, Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), and Parabens.

Chelating Agents and Dispersants
Chelating agents (or Sequestrants) and Dispersants are key materials in detergent formulations that play a significant role in enhancing cleaning performance and product stability. Highly utilized chelating agents in the detergent industry include Diethylenetriaminepenta(methylenephosphonate) heptasodium salt (DTPMP 7Na), Sodium Polyacrylate, and Maleic-Acrylic Copolymers.

Fragrance and Colorants (Aromatic and Coloring Agents)
These are used to enhance the consumer experience.

Special Skin or Surface Care Ingredients
These include components like Aloe Vera, botanical oils, or silicone nanoparticles, which are typically used in specialized detergents.

Chemical Raw Materials for Detergents and Their Function

The performance of detergent raw materials is typically analyzed across three levels:

Basic Functionality: This level encompasses the primary roles such as cleaning action (detergency), foam generation, and the removal of contaminants from various surfaces.

Safety & Compatibility: This involves assessing the materials’ impact on the skin, eyes, hair, and the environment. Key considerations include sensitization potential, toxicity, and biodegradability.

User Experience (Consumer Experience): This includes features like fragrance (scent), texture, color, ease of use, and the final feel after use (after-feel), all of which influence customer satisfaction.

These three levels collectively determine the final product quality and its market success.

Sourcing Detergent Raw Materials

Sourcing detergent raw materials for industries, manufacturing workshops, and cosmetic/hygiene brands requires attention to quality, pricing, and supply stability.

The selection of a manufacturer who, in addition to specialized technical knowledge in the field of formulation, possesses the capability for custom industrial-scale production plays a key role in project success.

Obtaining MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) and TDS (Technical Data Sheets), along with access to technical consulting support, is considered a critical requirement in this process.

Detergent Raw Materials List

The list of raw materials for detergents varies depending on the type of final product (hand wash liquid, shampoo, laundry powder, multi-purpose cleaner, soap, etc.). However, some commonly used compounds include the following:

Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES) or Texapon

Coconut Fatty Acid Diethanolamide or Lauramide

Soy Fatty Acid Diethanolamide or Soyamide

Triethanolamine (TEA)

Lauryl Glucoside

Glycerin (or Glycerine)

Polyquaternium-7

Citric Acid

Betaine (often Cocamidopropyl Betaine)

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)

Amine Oxides (Alkyl Dimethyl Amine Oxide or Cocamidopropyl Dimethylamine Oxide)

Polyethylene Glycol – 7 Glyceryl Cocoate (PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate)

Permitted Hygienic Fragrances and Dyes (or Approved Cosmetic Fragrances and Colorants)

Detergent Raw Material Prices

The price of detergent raw materials is of paramount importance as a critical factor in determining the final cost of finished products. Achieving an appropriate price not only helps manufacturers maintain their profit margin but also allows them to offer products at a competitive price in the market.

In this regard, direct purchasing from the primary manufacturers of the raw materials can bring significant advantages in terms of both price and quality. This is because intermediaries are eliminated, and the possibility for direct negotiation over price and terms is established.

Furthermore, manufacturers generally possess a greater oversight (or control) over the quality of their raw materials and can provide greater stability in supply and pricing. This is extremely crucial for production planning and cost management.

Therefore, focusing on an appropriate price alongside quality assurance and purchasing from first-hand sources such as manufacturers is considered a key strategy for success in the detergent manufacturing industry.

Detergent Raw Materials – Storage Conditions – Safety Information (MSDS)

Given the importance of maintaining the safety and quality of chemical raw materials, the most essential storage conditions are:

Compatibility and Segregation: Store incompatible materials separately to prevent dangerous reactions (fire, explosion, release of toxic gas). Always consult the MSDS of each substance to check for incompatibilities.

Correct and Clear Labeling: Ensure all containers are properly labeled with the material name, hazards, and date of receipt.

Storage in Suitable and Intact Containers: Use containers that are compatible with the substance, tightly sealed, and leak-free.

Temperature Control and Adequate Ventilation: Store at the recommended temperature and ensure sufficient ventilation to prevent the buildup of hazardous vapors.

Limited and Secure Access: Prevent access by unauthorized personnel and store toxic or hazardous materials in locked locations if necessary.

Knowledge of the Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for detergent raw materials is mandatory for all production units. This document includes information regarding toxicity, flammability, storage conditions, measures for accidental release or contact, and safe disposal methods of the materials.

The Technical Team at Padideh Shimi will provide you with all safety and technical information along with the product.

Buying Bulk Detergent Chemical Raw Materials Directly from the Factory:

For manufacturers aiming to reduce costs and guarantee quality, purchasing bulk detergent chemical raw materials directly from the factory is a cost-effective and reliable option. Padideh Shimi Jam Group, as a direct manufacturer of chemical raw materials, provides the opportunity to supply products with a specified degree of purity, strict quality control, and the delivery of complete technical documentation.

Chemical Raw Material Producer in Iran

Padide Shimi Jam Company, as one of the major and prominent producers of detergent raw materials in Iran, utilizes applied chemical knowledge, advanced production lines, and a dedicated Research and Development (R&D) team to supply the necessary raw materials for household, cosmetic, and industrial formulations. This company’s products are used in the personal care, household detergents, industrial hygiene, and even cosmetic raw material industries.

For more information on specialized sub-categories, such as personal care raw materials and home care raw materials, and to receive consultation for selecting the appropriate compounds for your brand’s specific formulation, please contact our experts.

 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the quality of detergent raw materials important in the production of the final product?
The quality of detergent raw materials directly impacts the final product’s performance, such as cleaning power, foam stability, skin safety, and shelf life/longevity. The use of low-quality materials can lead to sedimentation, color change, formula instability, reduced detergency, and even microbial contamination of the product. Therefore, selecting a reputable supplier with strict Quality Control (QC) is crucial.

2. What is the difference between industrial and household detergent raw materials?
Industrial detergent raw materials are typically designed with higher concentrations, stronger cleaning action, resistance to hard water, and the ability to function at high temperatures. In contrast, household detergents focus on safety, mildness, high foamability, and fragrance. For example, Caustic Soda (Sodium Hydroxide) and phosphonates are more commonly used in industrial detergents.

3. What factors influence the pricing of detergent raw materials?
The following factors influence the pricing of detergent raw materials:

Purity and percentage of active matter

Source of production (domestic or imported)

Currency fluctuations

Order quantity (retail or wholesale/bulk)

Global price of chemicals

Manufacturer brand and industrial or laboratory grade