SLSA Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

Properties

  • Cleansing
  • Foam-forming
  • Conditioning

Category

  • Surfactants
  • Cleansing ingredients

SLSA at a glance

  • A mild and gentle surfactant derived from coconut and palm oil
  • Creates a rich, stable and luxurious lather in bath and shower products
  • Has a much larger molecular size than SLS and therefore does not irritate the skin
  • Is completely biodegradable and approved for use in organic skincare

SLSA description

SLSA (which is short for Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate) is a plant-based and mild cleanser in powder form. Although its name resembles that of the notorious substance SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), SLSA is a completely different ingredient with entirely different properties. The greatest difference lies in the size of the molecules. SLSA has molecules that are so large they cannot penetrate the skin barrier, making the ingredient extremely gentle and non-irritating to both the skin and mucous membranes.
The ingredient is hydrophilic, which means it readily dissolves in water. It works by lowering the surface tension of water, allowing dirt, grease and oils to be lifted from the skin and easily rinsed away. What makes SLSA so popular is its ability to create a thick, creamy and long-lasting foam that feels luxurious on the skin, without drying it out or disrupting the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Because SLSA is so mild and completely sulfate-free, it is widely used in products for sensitive skin, baby products, as well as solid shampoos, bath bombs and bubble baths. It is an excellent choice for formulations that combine high foaming performance with gentle cleansing that respects the skin barrier.

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