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Neutral
cleansing emulsifying foaming surfactant

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

SLES

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Characteristics

INCI
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Ru.
SLES
CAS
9004-82-4, 91648-56-5, 68891-38-3, 68585-34-2, 3088-31-1, 1335-72-4
EC
293-918-8, 221-416-0, 500-234-8, 500-223-8
IUPAC
Sodium 2-(2-Dodecyloxyethoxy)Ethyl Sulphate
Functions
cleansing, emulsifying, foaming, surfactant

Who it's for

Skin Type
▲ Oily ▲ Combination ▲ Normal
Face Concern
▼ Sensitive Skin ▼ Rosacea ▼ Eczema
Hair Concern
▼ Hair Volume ▲ Scalp Health
Application Area
▲ Face ▲ Body ▲ Hair ▲ Scalp
Ingredient Flag
▲ Sulfate
poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-sulfo-.omega.-(dodecyloxy)-, sodium salt (1-4 mol eo average molar ratio)

Description

It’s probably the most common cleansing ingredient of all. It’s usually the Chief Bubble Officer responsible for big bubbles in cleansing products through the foam it creates is a bit airy and loose and not as dense and luxurious as the foam created by infamous SLS. 

As for mildness, it goes somewhere in the middle. It’s often confused with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), but they are absolutely not the same. The SLES molecule has a bigger water-soluble head part that makes it milder and much less irritating. It is considered absolutely ok in the amount used in cosmetic products, though if you are looking for a mild facial cleanser, you have better chances with a formula without SLES. For an average shower gel? SLES works just fine.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Laureth Sulfate

What is sodium laureth sulfate used for in skincare and haircare products?
Sodium laureth sulfate is a cleansing and foaming ingredient, often called a surfactant. It helps lift away oil, dirt, and product buildup so shampoos, body washes, and some toothpastes can spread and rinse more effectively. It is not added to treat skin or hair, but to make the product cleanse well.
Is sodium laureth sulfate safe to use?
For most people, sodium laureth sulfate is considered safe in rinse-off products when used as intended. The main concern is not toxicity, but irritation, especially for people with very sensitive skin or a damaged skin barrier. If a product stings, dries you out, or causes itching, it may be worth switching to a gentler formula.
Does sodium laureth sulfate dry out hair or scalp?
It can be drying for some people because it is a strong cleanser that removes oil effectively. On normal or oily hair, that can be helpful, but on dry, curly, color-treated, or sensitive scalps it may feel stripping. Whether it causes dryness depends a lot on the overall formula and how often you use it.
What is the difference between sodium laureth sulfate and sodium lauryl sulfate?
They are related cleansing agents, but sodium laureth sulfate is ethoxylated, which usually makes it milder than sodium lauryl sulfate. Sodium lauryl sulfate tends to be more irritating for some people, though both can cleanse well. In practice, SLES is often chosen when a formula needs foam and cleansing with a somewhat gentler feel.
Should I avoid sodium laureth sulfate if I have sensitive skin?
If your skin is easily irritated, sodium laureth sulfate may be something to watch for, especially in leave-on-free, rinse-off products used often. Some people tolerate it without any issue, while others notice dryness or stinging. If you know your skin reacts to strong cleansers, a sulfate-free option may be more comfortable.

Evidence & Research on Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Scientific publications & sources 1
  • 1
    Contact Dermatitis, , Volume 48 (1) – Jan 1, 2003, Profile of irritant patch testing with detergents: sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate and alkyl polyglucoside

Products with Sodium Laureth Sulfate (6 329 total)

Hair
Shampoos 2477 Conditioners & Masks 70 Hair Growth & Loss Prevention 47 Hair Coloring 32 Scalp Scrubs 29 Leave-in Care 7 Styling 6
Face Care
Cleansing 927 Exfoliants & Peels 76 Face Sunscreen 26 Moisturizers 23 Serums & Essences 16 Masks 14 Toning 7 Eye Care 7 Lip Balms & Scrubs 3
Body Care
Shower Gels & Bath Foams 968 Body Scrubs 47 Intimate Hygiene 27 Body Moisturizers 19 Body Sunscreen & Self-tan 6 Deodorants & Antiperspirants 2 Anti-cellulite & Stretch Marks 1 Hair Removal 1 Body Oils 1
Decorative Cosmetics
Eyes 48 Base & Foundation 13 Makeup Removers 8 Brows 3 Powders, Highlighters & Blush 2 Lips 2
Hands & Nails
Hand Creams 4 Nail Treatments 2 Cuticle Care 1
Feet
Foot Creams 4 Foot Peels & Scrubs 2 Callus & Corn Treatments 1

Most often found in L'Oreal products (127 items)

Life Spa Babassu Shower Gel
Life Life Spa Babassu Shower Gel
LIFE
Life Spa Babassu Shower Gel
CD Handwaschlotion Avocado Nachfüllbeutel
CD CD Handwaschlotion Avocado Nachfüllbeutel
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Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash
Simple Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash
SIMPLE
Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliating Wash
Simple Cream Nourishing Shower Gel (2024)
Simple Simple Cream Nourishing Shower Gel (2024)
SIMPLE
Simple Cream Nourishing Shower Gel (2024)
Simple Daily Skin Detox Clear Pore Scrub
Simple Simple Daily Skin Detox Clear Pore Scrub
SIMPLE
Simple Daily Skin Detox Clear Pore Scrub
Simple Daily Skin Detox Pore Polishing Face Scrub
Simple Simple Daily Skin Detox Pore Polishing Face Scrub
SIMPLE
Simple Daily Skin Detox Pore Polishing Face Scrub
Simple Daily Skin Detox Purifying Facial Wash
Simple
→
Simple Foaming Face Wash
Simple
→
Simple Gentle Care Handwash
Simple
→
Simple Hypoallergenic Shower Gel
Simple
→
Simple Kids Hypoallergenic Bath
Simple
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Simple Kind Defence Antibacterial Cleansing Wash
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All 6 329 products →
Synonyms
— Sodium Laureth Sulfate (500Rm) Laureth Sulfate Na (Aqua) Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Composition According To Inci) Sodium Laureth Sulfate (Water/Eau)* Sodium Laureth Sulfate* [Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate * Sodium Laureth Sulfate* Laureth Sulfate Na No Sodium Laureth Sulfate SLES SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) SLES (Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate) SLES (Vestol Ec28%) Sodium ­Laureth ­Sulfate Sodium Laureth Sulfate (*B)