Is sodium laureth sulfate the same as sodium lauryl sulphate?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also commonly known as sodium dodecyl sulfate, and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are widespread ingredients in personal care products. While their chemical structure is nearly identical, it differs by a single oxygen atom from SLES that is added during a process known as ethoxylation.

Also to know is, what is the difference between sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate?

Despite how similar they sound, there's a big difference between SLS and SLES. SLS stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and may also be known as SDS, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate. Meanwhile, SLES is short for Sodium Laureth Sulfate and sometimes may be written as Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate.

Beside above, what can I use instead of SLS? Some safer alternatives you can look for in your products include SLSA (sodium lauryl sulfoacetate), Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Disodium / Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Decyl glucoside, and Lauryl glucoside.

Then, is sodium laureth sulfate bad?

SLS is known to be a skin irritant. It can strip the skin of its natural oils which can cause dry skin, irritation and reactions. It can also be very irritating on the eyes.

Is sodium sulfate the same as SLS?

No, SLS is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. Sodium laureth sulphate, an accepted contraction of sodium lauryl ether sulphate, is an anionic detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products.

35 Related Question Answers Found

What shampoo has no sodium laureth sulfate?

"Elle" picked Avalon Organics' Revitalizing Peppermint Shampoo as one of the top-performing sodium lauryl sulfate-free shampoos, saying it helps to clarify your hair for less buildup of shine-reducing product residue. It's free of sulfates and parabens, contains no fragrances or dyes and isn't tested on animals.

What does sodium laureth sulfate do?

Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) is a chemical that's commonly used in soaps, shampoos, shower gels and toothpaste. It works as a surfactant, trapping oil-based dirt so that it can be rinsed away with water.

Is sodium laureth sulfate a carcinogen?

Health and Environmental Hazards

Depending on manufacturing processes, sodium laureth sulfate may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. The International Agency for Research on Cancer ethylene oxide as a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane as a possible human carcinogen.

Where does sodium laureth sulfate come from?

Sodium lauryl sulfate can be made from petroleum oil (via the OXO process) or from coconut or palm oil (via the Ziegler process). In both processes, fatty acids are extracted and converted to fatty alcohols, then sulfonated to become a crystalline salt.

Why is sodium laureth sulfate bad for your hair?

Sulfates allow grime and dead skin cells to be removed from your skin and scalp and washed away with water, says Eric Schweiger, M.D., founder of Schweiger Dermatology Group. The downside is that they can also strip natural oils from the scalp and hair. That can make hair dry and brittle.

What is sulfate in?

Sulfates are essentially detergents. When used in soaps, they leave skin feeling clean and refreshed. In shampoos, sulfates create a frothy lather that removes dirt, oil and styling product buildup from the hair and scalp. One of the most common sulfates you'll find in cosmetics is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Is sodium lauryl sulfate a detergent?

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), an accepted contraction of sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is an anionic detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc.). SLES is an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent. They behave similarly to soap.

Is sodium laureth sulfate biodegradable?

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a synthetic soap, or surfactant, that can be made from coconut oil, palm kernel oil or petroleum. It creates a foamy lather as it cleans, and is very effective in removing oil and dirt from clothes and surfaces. It is inexpensive and almost completely biodegradable.

What is sodium laureth sulfate side effects?

The highest risk of using products with SLS and SLES is irritation to your eyes, skin, mouth, and lungs. For people with sensitive skin, sulfates may also clog pores and cause acne.

Is sodium lauryl sulfate safe in shampoo?

It's safe, it's effective and it's biodegradable. So why does sodium lauryl sulfate have such a bad reputation? The majority of Lush liquid shampoos are SLS-free, and contain the gentler surfactants ammonium laureth sulfate (ALS) and sodium alkyl sulfate (SAS), in its place.

What is sodium lauryl sulfate in toothpaste?

Sodium lauryl sulfate is frequently used as a surfactant, or foaming agent. In many of our toothpastes SLS is used as a surfactant and helps to properly disperse the ingredients during brushing, and ensures easy rinsing and removal of debris (i.e. food particles).

What is sulfate in water?

Sulfates and Hydrogen Sulfide

Sulfates are a combination of sulfur and oxygen and are a part of naturally occurring minerals in some soil and rock formations that contain groundwater. The mineral dissolves over time and is released into groundwater.

What are sulfates used for?

Sulfates are chemicals used as cleansing agents. They're found in household cleaners, detergents, and even shampoo. Two main types of sulfates are used in shampoo: sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. The purpose of these sulfates is to create a lathering effect to remove oil and dirt from your hair.

Is sodium lauryl sulfate in food?

SLS is also used as a food additive, usually as an emulsifier or a thickener. It can be found in dried egg products, some marshmallow products, and certain dry beverage bases.

What does sulphate do to your hair?

Sulfates help a shampoo to strip oil and dirt away from the hair. However, the hair needs to retain a bit of its natural moisture and oils to stay healthy. Sulfates may strip away too much moisture, leaving the hair dry and unhealthy. They may also make the scalp dry and prone to irritation.

What is ammonium lauryl sulfate made from?

AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE. This ingredient is an ammonium salt of ethoxylated lauryl sulfate, a surfactant that contains PEG (polyethylene glycol) in its structure. May be contaminated with potentially toxic manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane.

What is Sles liquid?

Features Used in wetting agent formulations, liquid detergents, cleaners, shampoos and laundry detergents. Sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) is also known as sodium laureth sulfate. It acts as a detergent and surfactant, creating the 'lather' in many personal care products, including shampoos and toothpastes.