Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE.

Valuable CAS 3088-31-1 / 9004-82-4 / 68891-38-3 / 1335-72-4 / 68585-34-2 / 91648-56-5 / CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is an anionic surfactant widely utilized for its effective cleansing, foaming, and emulsifying properties. While capable of dermal and ocular irritation in concentrated forms, it is generally considered safe and non-sensitizing in cosmetic formulations when used appropriately.

Summary

Cleansing Foaming Surfactant Emulsifying

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an anionic detergent and surfactant, SLES effectively reduces the surface tension between various ingredients. This action facilitates the formation of lather and foam, enabling the efficient removal of dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin's surface, acting as a primary cleaning agent.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical evaluations by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel classify SLES as a dermal and ocular irritant, with severity directly proportional to concentration, yet confirm it is not a sensitizer. Importantly, SLES is not commonly observed to cause irritation in cosmetic products when integrated at safe, non-irritating levels.
  2. 02 A related, more potent irritant, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), has demonstrated irritation under occlusive patch application starting at 0.5%, providing context for potential irritation from concentrated surfactants.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a well-established and thoroughly reviewed ingredient in the cosmetic industry, not subject to 'dusting' concerns regarding efficacy or safety.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

SLES is highly water-soluble and stable across varying pH levels (above 5.0), metal ions, and oxidizing agents. However, decomposition can occur in highly acidic conditions (pH below 5.0). Maintaining a formulation pH between 5.0 and 7.0 is recommended to ensure both ingredient integrity and optimal skin compatibility.

Synergies

  • Anionic surfactants
  • Non-ionic surfactants
  • Amphoteric surfactants

Conflicts

  • Cationic surfactants

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel affirms SLES is safe for use in cosmetics when formulated to avoid irritation. While SLES is recognized as a potential dermal and ocular irritant in concentrated forms, its irritant properties are significantly mitigated in typical cosmetic formulations. It is important to distinguish SLES from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which the FDA has approved as a food additive but is a distinctly different chemical with a higher irritancy profile.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
No Dry
Yes Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a valuable anionic surfactant for cleansing and foaming in various formulations, deemed safe when properly formulated, despite its potential for irritation in concentrated forms.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…

References

Sources