What is SLS / SLES (sulfates)?
Also known as: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, SLS, SLES
Short answer
SLS and SLES are strong detergents that create foam and cleansing in shampoo, shower gel and toothpaste. They are not toxic but can dry and irritate skin and scalp; harder on sensitive, dry and eczema-prone skin. If you want to avoid them, 'sulfate-free' products are easy to find.
What is SLS / SLES (sulfates) and what does it do?
SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and its milder cousin SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are surfactants (detergents) that lift oil and dirt away with water. Their rich foam makes them very common in cleansers; online 'carcinogen' claims have found no scientific support.
What is it for?
They are effective, cheap cleansers that give rich foam and strong oil removal. In toothpaste and shampoo they give the expected 'clean feel'.
What to watch for
Strong cleansing can also strip too much of the skin's and scalp's natural oil, causing dryness, tightness and irritation; SLS is harsher than SLES. It is harder on sensitive skin, dry scalp, eczema and recurrent mouth ulcers. It is not toxic or carcinogenic; the issue is irritation potential.
If you want to avoid it
If your skin and scalp are trouble-free, you can use them. If you have dryness, itching, eczema or frequent mouth ulcers, choose 'sulfate-free' shampoo, shower gel and toothpaste; these use milder detergents.
Products containing SLS / SLES (sulfates)
- Le Petit Marseillais Çilek Duş Jeli 2x400 MlLe Petit Marseillais
- Le Petit Marseillais Şeftali Duş Jeli 2x400 MlLe Petit Marseillais
- Le Petit Marseillais Vanilya Sütü Duş Jeli 2X400 MlLe Petit Marseillais
- Wemara Sunset Simli Duş Jeli 1 LWemara
- Sandy Duş Jeli Dream 500 MlSandy
- Rebul Magnolia Duş Jeli Unisex 500 MlRebul
- Le Petit Marseillais Men Deniz Çamı & Okaliptüs Duş Jeli 400MlLe Petit Marseillais
- Rebul Aqua Duş Jeli Unisex 500 MlRebul
- Clınomyn Temizle Parlat Jel Diş Macunu 75 MlClinomyn
- Rocs Uno Beyazlatıcı Diş Macunu 60 Ml / 74 GRocs
- Colgate Dr.Rabbit 2+ Yaş Sakız Aromalı Diş Macunu 50 MlColgate
- Derby Tıraş Köpüğü Doğa Ferahlığı 200 MlDerby
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Frequently asked
Is SLS carcinogenic?
No. The claim that 'SLS is carcinogenic' is an internet myth with no scientific support. The real issue is that it can irritate and dry some skin.
What is the difference between SLS and SLES?
SLES (laureth) is milder than SLS (lauryl) and usually irritates less; both are sulfate detergents.
Do I need sulfate-free?
Not essential for everyone. If you have dryness, sensitivity, eczema or frequent mouth ulcers, sulfate-free products may be more comfortable.
Sources
This page is for general information; it is not medical/dietary advice. Personal suitability varies by skin type, allergies and health status.