LABSA plays a central role in the global detergent and cleaning industry. Manufacturers use it as the main anionic surfactant in laundry powders, liquid detergents, and industrial cleaners. It delivers strong cleaning power at a reasonable cost, which makes it one of the most widely used raw materials in the sector.
This guide is for formulation engineers, procurement teams, and chemical distributors. You will learn what LABSA is, how it works, where you can use it, and how to choose the right grade. We also cover how to compare LABSA with other surfactants and how to select a reliable LABSA supplier in China.
By the end of this guide, you will understand the full picture: from basic chemistry to practical sourcing decisions for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid.
What is LABSA? (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid)
LABSA stands for Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid. Manufacturers produce it by sulfonating Linear Alkylbenzene (LAB). This process creates a powerful anionic surfactant that forms the backbone of most modern detergent formulas.
LABSA carries the CAS number 27176-87-0. In its raw form, it appears as a brown, viscous liquid. Most commercial grades contain between 90% and 96% active matter, depending on the production process and intended use.
People often confuse LABSA with acid slurry, but the two terms are not identical. Acid slurry is a general term for the sulfonation product before further processing or standardization. LABSA usually refers to the finished, quality-controlled product that meets specific active matter and purity standards. This difference matters for formulators, because it affects consistency and performance in the final product.
Detergent producers use LABSA across household and industrial markets. It appears in washing powders, liquid detergents, and many industrial cleaning products. Its wide availability and strong performance make it a default choice for most surfactant systems.
Chemical Properties and Specifications of LABSA
LABSA belongs to the anionic surfactant family. Its molecule has two key parts: a long hydrocarbon chain and a sulfonic acid group. This structure gives LABSA its strong cleaning and foaming properties.
Buyers and formulators need to check several specifications before purchasing LABSA. The table below shows typical values for standard commercial grades.
Typical LABSA Specifications (90%–96%)
| Parameter | Typical Range |
| CAS Number | 27176-87-0 |
| Appearance | Brown viscous liquid |
| Active Matter (%) | 90% – 96% |
| Free Sulfuric Acid (%) | ≤ 1.5% – 2.0% |
| Color (Klett Scale) | Below 100 (varies by grade) |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
Each parameter has a direct impact on formulation and cost. Higher active matter content means you can use less LABSA to reach the same performance level. This reduces shipping weight and lowers your overall transport cost. However, higher-active grades often come at a premium price.
Free sulfuric acid content matters for two reasons. First, it affects the corrosiveness of the product during storage and handling. Second, high levels can signal incomplete neutralization, which may cause instability in the final formula. Buyers should always request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) to confirm this value before large orders.
Color also plays a role. A lighter color usually results in a cleaner-looking finished product, which matters for brands that market their detergents based on appearance and quality perception.
To verify these specifications in practice, most producers use acid-base titration to measure active matter content and monitor free sulfuric acid levels through the same process. Reliable suppliers test every batch and share these results through a COA before shipment.
Need verified specification data before you commit to an order? [Download the LABSA 96% / 90% TDS and COA] to check the exact numbers for your formulation.
Main Applications of LABSA in Detergent and Industrial Formulations
Household Detergents and Cleaning Products
LABSA serves as the primary surfactant in most household cleaning products. Laundry powder manufacturers rely on it for its strong detergency and low cost. Liquid detergent producers use it as a base surfactant, often paired with AOS or SLES to balance foam and mildness. Dishwashing liquid formulas also use LABSA to cut through grease, usually at lower concentrations than in laundry products.
Industrial and Institutional Cleaning
Beyond household use, LABSA appears in heavy-duty industrial cleaners. Metal cleaning products, degreasers, and workshop cleaning agents all use LABSA for its strong oil-removal power. Formulators often pair it with alkaline builders and corrosion inhibitors to create effective industrial degreasing solutions.
Textile and Agricultural Chemicals
The textile industry uses LABSA as a wetting agent and emulsifier during fabric processing and washing. In agriculture, LABSA works as an emulsifying and dispersing agent in emulsifiable concentrates (EC) and suspension concentrates (SC) for pesticide formulations.
LABSA Grades (96% & 90%) and How to Choose the Right Grade
LABSA 96% High Active Grade
Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid 96% offers a higher concentration of active matter than standard grades. This makes it ideal for concentrated formulations and premium detergent brands. Manufacturers who export to demanding markets often choose this grade to meet strict quality standards. It also works well for OEM production of high-end detergent brands, where consistent performance matters most.
LABSA 90% Cost-Effective Grade
LABSA 90% delivers strong performance at a more competitive price. This grade suits price-sensitive markets and large-volume industrial buyers. Many laundry powder producers in developing markets choose LABSA 90% to keep production costs low while maintaining acceptable cleaning performance.
Choosing Between LABSA 96% and 90% for Your Market
Your choice between these two grades depends on several factors:
- Target market positioning. Premium brands usually need the consistency of LABSA 96%. Economy brands can work well with LABSA 90%.
- Shipping and storage costs. Higher active content means less product by weight for the same performance, which can reduce logistics costs on long shipping routes.
- Formula compatibility. Consider how LABSA interacts with the other raw materials in your formula. Some formulas need the extra concentration that only LABSA 96% provides.
Not sure which grade fits your formulation? [Talk to our technical team] for a free formula review.
LABSA vs Other Surfactants (SLES, AOS, CAPB)
Summary Comparison Table of Common Surfactants
| Surfactant | Type | Main Advantage | Typical Applications |
| LABSA | Anionic | High detergency, strong cost-performance | Washing powder, liquid detergent |
| SLES | Anionic | Strong foaming, mild on skin | Shampoos, hand wash, dishwashing |
| AOS | Anionic | Good calcium tolerance, mildness | Liquid detergent, car wash liquids |
| CAPB | Amphoteric | Excellent compatibility, foam boosting | Shampoos, body wash, mixed systems |
Each surfactant brings a different strength to a formula. LABSA gives you raw cleaning power at a low cost, but it can struggle in hard water and feels harsher on skin than milder alternatives. SLES and AOS provide better foam stability and gentleness, which makes them common choices for personal care and premium detergents. CAPB works well as a secondary surfactant to boost mildness and foam in mixed systems.
Most commercial formulas do not rely on a single surfactant. Instead, formulators combine LABSA with SLES, AOS, or CAPB to balance cost, performance, and skin feel. If you want strong cleaning power as your base, LABSA remains one of the most reliable choices. You can then adjust foam and mildness by adding a secondary surfactant that fits your target market.
How to Choose a Reliable LABSA Supplier in China
Key Factors When Evaluating LABSA Suppliers
Choosing the right LABSA supplier affects your product quality, your cost structure, and your delivery reliability. Before you commit to a supplier, check these factors carefully.
Technical and quality indicators. Ask for batch-to-batch consistency data on active content. Request current color and free sulfuric acid test results. Confirm that the supplier can provide a COA, MSDS, and TDS for every shipment, not just for the first sample order.
Supply capacity and service. Check the supplier’s production capacity and their track record on delivery timing. Confirm which packaging options they offer, such as 200L drums, IBC totes, or flexitanks, since this affects your logistics planning. Ask about their experience with export documentation for your target country, since requirements vary widely between regions.
Quality, Compliance and Logistics Considerations
A reliable supplier should follow a documented quality control process, ideally supported by relevant certifications. This process should cover raw material sourcing, in-process testing, and final product verification before shipment.
International logistics experience matters just as much as product quality, especially for buyers who import from overseas. A supplier who understands customs procedures, shipping documentation, and common clearance issues in your country can save you significant time and reduce the risk of delays. Ask potential suppliers directly about their experience shipping to your specific market, and request references if possible.
LABSA Supply Solutions from HOO CHEMTEC
Who We Are — Manufacturing Background and Technical Team
HOO CHEMTEC supplies LABSA 96% and LABSA 90% to detergent and industrial cleaning manufacturers worldwide. Our technical support team draws on years of hands-on experience in anionic surfactant production and formulation support.
Quality Verification Process — How We Test Every Batch
We test every batch of LABSA before it leaves our facility. Our quality team measures active matter content using standard acid-base titration and checks free sulfuric acid levels through the same process. We monitor color using the Klett scale to confirm consistency across shipments.
For added confidence, we support third-party inspection through agencies like SGS or CIQ upon request. We also keep retained samples from each batch, so we can investigate and resolve any quality concern quickly if one arises.
Export Track Record — Markets We’ve Actually Served
We ship LABSA(Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid) to detergent and chemical companies across the Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. For every export order, we prepare the documentation your customs process requires. This typically includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA), a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), an SGS inspection report upon request, and a Certificate of Origin (including Form E where applicable).
Customer Types and Cooperation Models
We work with three main types of customers:
- Detergent manufacturers, producing both powder and liquid formulas, who need a stable, consistent LABSA supply for their production lines.
- Chemical distributors and trading companies, who need reliable stock and flexible order sizes to serve their own customer base.
- Industrial cleaning product OEM factories, who need technical support alongside raw material supply.
We support different cooperation models based on your needs, including long-term supply contracts, order-by-order purchasing, and sample testing before your first bulk order. [Insert specific terms here: minimum order quantity, typical sample lead time, payment terms.]
Ready to see how we can support your production? [See more cooperation cases] or [Get a LABSA Quote] today.
Conclusion
LABSA remains one of the most important anionic surfactants in the global detergent and cleaning industry. Manufacturers across household, industrial, and agricultural sectors rely on it.
For formulation engineers, procurement managers, and chemical distributors, selecting the right LABSA grade and supplier is crucial to product quality and business success.
Looking for a reliable LABSA supplier in China? HOO CHEMTEC offers high-quality Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonic Acid (LABSA 96% and 90%) for detergent and industrial applications. Contact our team for detailed specifications, samples, and quotations.
Frequently Asked Questions about LABSA
Is LABSA safe to use in detergent formulations?
LABSA is safe when used at the concentrations typical in detergent formulas and handled according to standard industrial practice. Like most concentrated surfactants, the raw acid form is corrosive and requires protective equipment during handling. Once neutralized and diluted into a finished product, it poses low risk to end users.
What is the difference between LABSA and LAS?
LAS (Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate) is the neutralized, salt form of LABSA, usually as a sodium salt. LABSA is the acid form before neutralization. Manufacturers typically buy LABSA and neutralize it during their own production process to create LAS as a finished ingredient in their detergent.
How should you store LABSA, and what is its shelf life?
Store LABSA in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, in sealed containers made of acid-resistant materials. Under proper storage conditions, LABSA typically maintains stable quality for 6 to 12 months. Always check with your supplier for specific shelf life guidance based on their product.
What factors affect the LABSA price?
Several factors drive LABSA pricing. The cost of raw LAB (Linear Alkylbenzene) has the biggest impact, since it fluctuates with crude oil prices. Active matter content also affects price, since higher-active grades cost more to produce. Packaging type and order volume influence the final quoted price as well.
What packaging options are available for LABSA?
Common packaging options include 200L steel or plastic drums for smaller orders, IBC totes for medium volumes, and flexitanks or ISO tanks for bulk shipments. Your choice depends on your order size, storage capacity, and shipping route.
Can you use LABSA in cold-water detergent formulations?
Yes. LABSA performs reasonably well in cold water, though its cleaning efficiency drops slightly compared to warm water use. Many cold-water detergent formulas combine LABSA with other surfactants and enzymes to maintain strong performance at lower temperatures.
