Abstract: A process for the production of a highly concentrated fatty alcohol sulfate paste comprising the steps of: (1) forming a crude sulfonation product by reacting a mixture of an inert gas and sulfur dioxide with a mixture comprised of: (a) an unsaturated fatty alcohol of the formula IR.sup.1 --OH (I)wherein R.sup.1 is a linear unsaturated hydrocarbon radical having from 16 to 22 carbon atoms and 1, 2, or 3 double bonds, (b) a saturated fatty alcohol of the formula IIR.sup.2 --OH (II)wherein R.sup.2 is a linear or branched saturated hydrocarbon radical having from 12 to 22 carbon atoms; wherein the molar ratio of sulfur trioxide/fatty alcohol mixture is from 0.95:1 to 1.3:1 and (2) neutralizing, at a temperature of from 50.degree. C. to 90.degree. C., said crude sulfonation product with a quantity of aqueous base sufficient to form a water-containing fatty alcohol sulfate paste product having a solids content of from 60% to 70% by weight and a viscosity of less than 10 Pa.s at 60.degree. C.