Chemicals
A Buyer's Guide to Detergent Raw Materials
The main surfactants, builders and fillers detergent manufacturers buy, and what to confirm.
3 April 2026 5 min read
Detergent formulation relies on a handful of core raw materials. This guide groups them and explains what manufacturers should confirm when importing from Europe.
Surfactants
The active cleaning agents — LABSA, SLES, SLS and foam boosters such as CDEA and CAPB.
Builders and fillers
- Soda ash (sodium carbonate)
- STPP (sodium tripolyphosphate)
- Sodium sulphate (filler)
- Sodium silicate, zeolite
What to confirm
Request SDS, TDS and COA, confirm active content per batch, and check dangerous-goods classification for your route. Packing ranges from 25 kg bags for powders to drums and IBC for liquids.
Key takeaways
- Surfactants are the active cleaning agents
- Builders and fillers complete the formulation
- Always request SDS, TDS and COA
- Confirm dangerous-goods status and packing
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