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Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Ethoxylated cousin of SLS. Still a strong surfactant, but milder on skin and a frequent base for foaming cleansers.

What it does

Sodium laureth sulfate is SLS plus an ethoxylation step that softens its irritant profile while keeping the foaming and cleansing power. It's the most common foaming surfactant in shampoos and body washes and shows up in budget face cleansers. Better tolerated than SLS, but on a dry or barrier-compromised face it can still leave that tight feeling. Pair with humectants and a moisturizer if you keep an SLES cleanser in rotation.

The evidence, graded

expert consensusIf skin is reactive, peeling, stinging, or burning unexpectedly, pause all actives and rebuild the barrier with simple cleanser, ceramide-rich moisturizer, and SPF for 2–4 weeks before re-introducing actives one at a time.Lodén 2003 · American Journal of Clinical Dermatology ↗

Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.

Also known as

sles

Pairs worth knowing

Ceramides · works together ↗Panthenol (Pro-vitamin B5) · works together ↗Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) · works together ↗Glycerin · works together ↗

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