What is "SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE" and what does it do?

Role: AGGRESSIVE SURFACTANT

Family: AGGRESSIVE SURFACTANT

Comedogenic index: 0

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an ingredient composed of several non-volatile alcohols, mainly used as a surfactant in cosmetics. It also has emulsifying, skin-conditioning and solvent properties.

Roles and functions
Surfactant: SLS is best known for its role as a surfactant, helping to create foam in cleaning products.
Emulsifier and solvent: It can also be used as an emulsifier in cosmetic formulations and act as a solvent for other ingredients.
Irritant Potential
Although effective, SLS is recognized as one of the most irritating cleansing agents on the skin. At concentrations of 2% to 5%, it can cause sensitizing reactions in many people.

Comparison with Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
SLS is often confused with SLES, which is gentler and more commonly used today.

Concerns about the SLS
1. Irritation and dryness :
Its detergent power can be aggressive for some skin types, causing dryness, irritation and redness. Many manufacturers are now turning to less abrasive alternatives.

2. Environmental issues :
Beyond its human impact, SLS is also recognized as being harmful to the environment, affecting both aquatic flora and fauna.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a multi-faceted ingredient in cosmetics, effective as a cleansing agent but potentially irritating to the skin. Its effectiveness coupled with its affordability makes it a must-have, despite some controversy surrounding its effects. Its understanding and use require careful consideration of its properties and irritation potential.

NB: In cosmetology, SLS has won the confidence of manufacturers over the decades, due to its origin, which can be synthetic or vegetable, often derived from palm or coconut oil fatty acids. Its effectiveness and affordability make it a must-have, despite some controversy surrounding its effects.

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