Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) Supplier, Exporter & Global Wholesaler
Searching for a dependable Alpha Olefin Sulphonate supplier or exporter? You are exactly where you need to be.
PAU Chemicals is an India-based global supplier and exporter of Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) in both 38–40% liquid and 90–94% needle form, for personal care, household and industrial cleaning formulations.
Alpha Olefin Sulphonate is an anionic surfactant valued for a combination few surfactants manage at once: abundant, stable foam, strong hard-water tolerance, and mildness on skin. Chemically it is sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate.
It has become the preferred alternative to harsher sulphates in shampoos, body washes and premium cleaning products, and works well alongside amphoteric and nonionic co-surfactants.
PAU Chemicals supplies both presentations so formulators can choose on process fit and freight economics — liquid for direct dosing into water-based batches, needles where concentration and storage space matter.
Keep liquid AOS above 5 °C. In cold storage it can thicken or separate; gentle stirring restores homogeneity with no loss of performance
Technical Specifications
Product Characteristics | Product Details |
Product Name | Alpha Olefin Sulphonate (AOS) |
Chemical Name | Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate |
CAS Number | 68439-57-6 |
HS Code | 3402 11 90 |
Appearance (Liquid) | Clear to pale yellow liquid |
Appearance (Needles) | White to off-white needles |
Active Matter (Liquid) | 38 - 40% |
Active Matter (Needles) | 90 - 94% |
Free Oil (Liquid) | 1.0% max |
Sodium Sulphate (Liquid) | 1.0% max |
Sodium Chloride (Liquid) | 0.5% max |
pH (10% solution) | 7.0 – 9.0 |
Colour (Klett, 5% solution) | 30 max |
Specific Gravity @ 25 °C | 1.05 – 1.08 |
Ionic Nature | Anionic |
Biodegradability | Readily biodegradable |
Storage | Cool, dry, above 5 °C |
Shelf Life | 12 months in sealed packing |
Available Grades
AOS Liquid 38–40%
AOS Needles / Powder 90–94%
Export Details
Minimum Order Quantity: 1 FCL
Country of Origin: India
Mode of Transportation: By Sea
Loading Ports: Hazira (Surat, Gujarat) & Nhava Sheva / JNPT (Navi Mumbai)
Shipping: FCL
Incoterms: EXW, FOB, C&F (CFR) & CIF
Payment Terms: TT / Bank Transfer & LC at Sight
Delivery Time: 3 to 4 weeks
Logistics Packaging: Liquid: 220/230 kg HDPE drums or 1,000–1,200 kg IBC. Needles: 25 kg bags or jumbo bags
Dangerous Goods: Not classified as dangerous goods for transport under standard conditions
Documentation: Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, COA, MSDS & Certificate of Origin
Certifications
Applications
Shampoos, body washes and facial cleansers
Bubble bath and liquid hand wash
Toothpaste and mouthwash foaming agent
Dishwash and laundry liquids
All-purpose and industrial cleaners
Detergent powders as a foam-boosting co-surfactant
Car wash and foam cleaning concentrates
Textile wetting and scouring
Oilfield foaming agents and enhanced oil recovery
Fire-fighting foam concentrates
Why Choose PAU Chemicals
Genuine Direct Supply — straight to the importer with no hidden intermediaries
Ethical Sourcing — ensuring 100% transparent and compliant procurement
Stable, Consistent Quality — for uninterrupted production and reliable 38–40% active matter (90–92% in needles)
Competitive Pricing — offering strong commercial value for bulk FCL buyers
Flawless Documentation — handling all trade paperwork for smooth port clearance
Preferential Tariff Support — leveraging trade agreements to reduce your import duties
What is AOS, and what is it called locally?
AOS stands for Alpha Olefin Sulphonate. Its full chemical name is sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate, and formulators usually refer to it simply as AOS liquid or AOS needles.
What is AOS used for?
Mainly in shampoos, body washes, hand wash, toothpaste, dishwash and laundry liquids. It is also used in car wash concentrates, textile processing, oilfield foaming agents and fire-fighting foams.
Should I choose AOS liquid or needles?
Liquid (38–40%) suits direct dosing into water-based batches and drum storage. Needles (90–92%) give a lower freight cost per kilogram of active and suit concentrated or powder formulations and limited storage space.
How does AOS compare with SLES?
AOS gives comparable or better foam in hard water, tolerates a wider pH range and is generally milder. It is often used to partly or fully replace SLES in sulphate-conscious personal care lines.
Is AOS suitable for sensitive-skin products?
Its mildness profile makes it a common choice in gentle formulations, usually paired with amphoteric co-surfactants. Final suitability should be confirmed through your own dermatological and stability testing.
How should it be stored, and what is the shelf life?
Cool and dry, out of direct sunlight. Keep liquid above 5 °C and needles sealed against moisture. Around 12 months in original sealed packing.
What packing sizes and minimum order quantity do you offer?
Liquid in 220/230 kg drums and IBCs; needles in 25 kg bags and jumbo bags. Export MOQ is 1 FCL.
Which ports and Incoterms do you ship on, and how long does delivery take?
We load from Hazira and Nhava Sheva on EXW, FOB, C&F and CIF terms, typically 3 to 4 weeks. AOS is not classified as dangerous goods, so it ships as general cargo.
Frequently Asked Questions
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