[DetergentMan]

My current formula for my liquid detergent is this:
H2O  76.989%
Lauryl Alkyl Benzene Sulphonate (LABS) 8%
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) 11.88%
Caustic Soda 1.12%
NaOH 1.88%
Other additives (flavor and Colour) 0.14%
And i already got the patent for this formula (which is unfortunate for me).

I had managed to reach the Ph at 7 and some test results show that this product is harmless. However, i need to know are there any substitution for LABS and SLES which is cheaper but at least have the same cleaning power and of course harmless for skin? Nowadays, the prices of LABS and SLES are keep on rising in my country; even in matter of days. My formula will become useless. Pls advice. Thanks a lot.

[eugenedakin]

Hello DetergentMan,

There are many alternatives for LABS and SLES, unfortunately, they are more expensive.  The least expensive LABS that I have commonly used is Dodecyl benzene sulphonic acid (DDBSA).  It is a type of LABS but is quite common (shipped in railcars in North America).  Other alternatives to LABS  are considerably more expensive, and do not work as well.  

The good news is that your competitors are probably also paying higher costs for other material.  This makes it hard to compete against your blend.

You may want to source out your chemicals from different suppliers and see if the volumes that you use warrant a lower price (it doesnt hurt to shop around).

I wish you the best of luck,

Eugene