SLSA Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

Properties

  • Cleansing
  • Foaming
  • Emollient

Category

  • Surfactants
  • Cleansing ingredients

SLSA in brief

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

SLSA description

SLSA (which is an abbreviation for Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate) is a plant-based and mild cleanser in powder form. Although the name resembles the notorious substance SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), SLSA is a completely different ingredient with entirely different properties. The biggest difference lies in the size of the molecules. SLSA has molecules so large that they cannot penetrate the skin barrier, making the ingredient extremely gentle and non-irritating to both skin and mucous membranes.
The ingredient is hydrophilic, meaning it easily dissolves in water. It works by lowering the surface tension of the water, allowing dirt, grease, and oils to be lifted away from the skin and easily rinsed off. 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 out or disturbing 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 in solid shampoos, bath bombs, and bath foams. It is an excellent choice for formulations where you want to combine high foaming power with gentle cleansing that respects the skin barrier.

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