It’s fair to say that sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate are controversial ingredients in the skincare world. Let’s discover why this is, and if you really need to be avoiding them.
What are SLS and SLES, and what do they do?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are compounds termed as surfactants, and are used for their cleansing and foaming properties. They’re commonly found in household cleaning and personal hygiene products, including cleansers, body washes, toothpaste and shampoos. They’re very effective at cleansing the skin and causing the foaming effect often seen in cleansers.
What are the concerns with using SLS and SLES, and should I avoid them?
SLS and SLES can both cause skin irritation, dryness, and disrupt the skin barrier function. Claims have been made that they’re carcinogenic, but there’s no evidence to support this. If you tolerate them, they’re safe to use. However, if you have sensitive or irritable skin, you may consider avoiding these ingredients.
What’s the difference between SLS and SLES?
When it comes to skincare, the key difference between the two is that SLES is milder and less irritating than SLS.
