The Truth About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): What You Need to Know

The Truth About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): What You Need to Know

If cosmetic companies and the FDA approve Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) in personal care products, should you be concerned? You may have heard of these chemicals but aren’t sure why people try to avoid them. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed decision.

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What Are SLS & SLES? Where Are They Found?

SLS and SLES are foaming agents and surfactants used in many everyday products, including:

✔ Shampoos
✔ Liquid hand soaps & shower gels
✔ Toothpaste
✔ Laundry detergents
✔ Dish soaps

Both SLS and SLES are derived from lauryl alcohol, which can come from plants or petroleum. Regardless of the source, both undergo heavy processing and chemical modification to become SLS and SLES.

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SLS vs. SLES: What’s the Difference?

🔹 SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) is a known skin and eye irritant.

🔹 SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) is created by adding ethylene oxide to SLS, producing a harmful byproduct called 1,4-dioxane—a potential carcinogen. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce 1,4-dioxane, but it is never completely removed.

SLS = More irritating, less toxic
SLES = Less irritating, but potentially more dangerous

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Why Should You Avoid SLS & SLES?

• Skin & Eye Irritation – SLS/SLES can cause redness, itching, and rashes.
• Digestive Issues – If ingested, SLS/SLES can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• 1,4-Dioxane Exposure – This carcinogenic byproduct in SLES is linked to:
  ✔ Liver & kidney damage (long-term exposure)
  ✔ Nausea, headaches, & dizziness
  ✔ Respiratory irritation

Even the FDA acknowledges the dangers of 1,4-dioxane and has recommended that manufacturers "reduce" its presence—but this is not required by law.

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Long-Term Safety Concerns

The cosmetic industry claims that SLS/SLES are "safe" for short-term use, but what about long-term exposure?

• Most of us use products containing SLS/SLES multiple times per day (shampoo, soap, toothpaste, detergent, etc.).
• There are no long-term safety studies that account for repeated daily use.
• Studies are often funded by manufacturers, using low concentrations to downplay risks.

In contrast, independent studies testing higher concentrations have raised concerns, but these are often dismissed due to being conducted in petri dishes rather than on live subjects.

Another major concern? SLS/SLES in our environment. These chemicals wash down our drains daily, contaminating water sources. Scientists have detected 1,4-dioxane in North American groundwater, yet the environmental impact remains unstudied.

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Does SLS/SLES Accumulate in the Body?

Our skin acts as a sponge, absorbing chemicals into the bloodstream. Some chemicals accumulate in our organs and tissues over time.

So, does SLS/SLES build up in the body? There are no conclusive studies proving or disproving this, leaving consumers to decide whether the risk is worth it.

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How to Avoid SLS & SLES

✔ Choose natural bar soaps over liquid hand soaps & shower gels.
✔ Use natural, plant-based cleaning products.
✔ Look for "SLS-free" & "SLES-free" shampoos and personal care products.
✔ Avoid products containing these ingredients:

Other Names for SLS to Avoid:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Sulfuric acid monododecyl ester sodium salt
• Sodium dodecyl sulfate
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Ether

Other Names for SLES to Avoid:

• Sodium lauryl sulfate ethoxylate
• Polyethylene glycol (PEG) lauryl ether sulfate
• Laureth-8 sulfate
• Sodium laureth-8 sulfate

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Final Thoughts

While SLS and SLES are widely used, concerns about irritation, toxicity, and long-term safety remain unresolved. Until independent, long-term studies confirm their safety, it may be best to avoid them—especially when natural alternatives are readily available!