Cited skincare — every flag names its source, no upsell.
So

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

A softened version of SLS: same foam and cleaning, less irritation. On dry or stressed skin it can still feel tight.

What it does

It’s SLS with an extra processing step that makes it less irritating while keeping the foam and cleaning power. It’s the most common foaming cleanser in shampoos and body washes, and turns up in budget face washes. On a dry or damaged face it can still leave a tight feeling.

The EU’s ingredient database lists it as an emulsifier (helps oil and water mix) and a cleanser (helps keep skin clean).European Commission, CosIng (© European Union, CC BY 4.0) · uses put in plain words by Drop ↗

The evidence, graded

expert consensusIf skin is reactive, peeling, stinging, or burning unexpectedly, pause all actives — retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, AHAs, BHAs and vitamin C — and rebuild the barrier with a simple cleanser, a 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 ↗

Browse all 1238 ingredients — grouped by what they do, each with whatever evidence we can cite.

This page is public so a shared ingredient card always has its sources behind it — and so you can check them without an account.
Want more like this?
Every evidence-based flag cites its source, Drop tells you when your routine is complete, and it helps you simplify — instead of selling you more. The app launches on iOS and Android in October 2026. Rate my routine works today at /rate — no sign-in.
See what Drop doesHow Drop works