Ingredient dictionary

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Also listed as: SLES

Sodium laureth sulfate is a cleansing agent, called a surfactant, that lifts oil and dirt and creates foam so they rinse away. It is on the label of 122 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: it belongs to the sulfate family, which our code flags as strong foaming cleansers that clean hard, so dry, curly, color-treated hair and sensitive skin often feel better with gentler cleansers.

Sulfates. Sulfates clean hard. Dry, curly, color-treated hair and sensitive skin often feel better with gentler cleansers.

What Sodium Laureth Sulfate does

Cleans by lifting oil and dirt
Creates a rich, bubbly lather
Helps oil and water rinse away together

Sodium laureth sulfate starts with a fatty alcohol, usually made from coconut or palm kernel oil. That alcohol is treated in a process called ethoxylation, then sulfated and neutralized with sodium. The 'eth' part makes it generally milder than its close cousin, sodium lauryl sulfate.

Formulators use it because it creates a rich, stable foam and lifts oil and dirt well. It spreads easily when wet, though it can leave hair or skin feeling a little squeaky. Many products blend it with conditioning or milder ingredients to soften its effect.

Good for

Everyday shampoos and body washes for people with oily hair or skin who want a rich, foamy clean.

Be careful if

It belongs to the sulfate family, which our code flags as strong foaming cleansers that clean hard, so dry, curly, color-treated hair and sensitive skin often feel better with gentler cleansers.

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium laureth sulfate safe?

It is generally considered safe for rinse-off use, such as shampoo and body wash. Some people still find it drying or irritating, especially on sensitive skin. If it bothers you, a gentler cleanser is a good choice.

Does sodium laureth sulfate dry out hair?

It can. Strong cleansers remove some natural oils along with dirt. Dry, curly or color-treated hair often feels better with a gentler cleanser, followed by a conditioner.