Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). It is an inexpensive and very effective foamer.

Its chemical formula is CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_nOSO₃Na. Sometimes the number represented by "n" is specified in the name, as laureth-n sulfate (unsubscripted), for example laureth-2 sulfate. The product of commerce is heterogeneous, both in the length of the alkyl chain (12 being the mode of the number of carbon atoms), and in the number of ethoxyl groups, where n is the mean. n=3 is a common article of commerce. SLES can be derived from ethoxylation of SDS.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS; also known as sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) are commonly used alternatives to SLES in consumer products, although are more harsh on skin. ^*

Anecdotal evidence and research suggests SLS/SLES irritates the eyes and skin through extended exposure. It also results in an increase in mouth ulcers (most commonly canker sores, RAS, Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis), possibly through a disruptive/denaturing effect on the oral mucin layer.

Carcinogen?

Rumors have circulated widely on the internet that SLS/SLES are carcinogenic. They have spread through chain emails and thanks to a bogus report that claims to be from the Journal of the American College of Toxicology JACT. There seems to be no legitimate research evidence to support this, but the rumor is widespread enough to have prompted responses from the Cosmetics Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) and the American Cancer Society^*.

Alternative names

• Steol-130, 230, 270, 330, 370 or 460
• Stepanol
• Alkyl Ether Sulfate
• Sodium POE(2) Lauryl Ether Sulfate
• Sodium Diethylene glycol Lauryl Ether Sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate

External links

• Description and health effects of sodium laureth sulfate by Children's Health Environmental Coalition
• Properties and descryption of sodium laureth sulfate at chemicalland21.com
• sodium laureth sulfate does not cause cancer by SlashHair.net

Organosulfates | Ethers | Household chemicals | Surfactants | Sodium compounds | Cosmetic chemicals

Natriumdodecylpoly(oxyethylen)sulfat | Laurylsulfate de sodium | Sodium laureth sulfate