SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)

Benefits

  • Deep cleansing
  • Strong foaming
  • Grease dissolving

Category

  • Surfactants
  • Cleansing ingredients

INCI name

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

SLS in brief

  • An extremely effective and common cleansing ingredient in hygiene products
  • Produces a very rich, thick, and satisfying foam
  • Has a small molecular size that can penetrate and irritate sensitive skin
  • Often derived from coconut or palm oil but undergoes a chemical process (sulfation)

SLS description

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) is one of the most well-known and effective surfactants in the cosmetics world. It is a surface-active ingredient whose primary function is to reduce the surface tension of water so that dirt, oil, and sebum can be effectively lifted from skin and hair and rinsed away. The ingredient is very popular in commercial shampoos, shower gels, and toothpastes due to its unbeatable ability to create a strong and stable foam.
Despite its effectiveness, SLS has become controversial in skincare circles. Because its molecules are relatively small, they can penetrate deeper into the skin’s outer layer. At high concentrations or with prolonged contact, SLS can wash away the skin’s natural oils, which may lead to dryness, irritation, and a weakened skin barrier. Therefore, it is an ingredient best suited for products that are quickly rinsed off or formulas for people who do not have sensitive or dry skin.

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