Ingredient dictionary

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Also listed as: SLS, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a strong surfactant, a cleansing agent that lifts oil and dirt and makes a rich foam. It is common in shampoos and face washes. It is on the label of 24 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: it belongs to the sulfate family, which cleans hard, so dry, curly, color-treated hair and sensitive skin often feel better with gentler cleansers.

Sulfates. Strong foaming cleansers such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).

What Sodium Lauryl Sulfate does

Lifts oil and dirt from skin and hair
Creates rich, bubbly lather
Helps water mix with oily residue

It is made in a chemical process. Lauryl alcohol, a fatty alcohol usually derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, is reacted with a sulfur compound and then neutralized with sodium. The result is an anionic surfactant, a molecule with one end that loves water and one end that grabs oil.

Formulators use it because it is effective, affordable, and creates a dense, stable foam quickly. It has been a standard cleansing ingredient for decades, so its behavior is well understood. Because it cleans so thoroughly, it can leave hair and skin feeling squeaky or tight, especially with frequent use.

Good for

Oily hair and skin, or hair with heavy product buildup that needs a deep, thorough clean.

Frequently asked questions

Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate the same as sodium laureth sulfate?

They are close cousins. Sodium laureth sulfate has a few extra ethoxy units added to its chain, which many formulators find a little gentler. Both are sulfates, so the same caution applies.

Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate safe for skin?

It is widely used, and most people tolerate it well when it is rinsed off. It can dry or irritate skin that is already sensitive, so people with reactive skin often choose a gentler cleanser. Patch testing a new product is a sensible step.