What is the Difference Between Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are both surfactants used in personal care products, such as shampoos and soaps, to create foam and provide cleansing properties. They are similar in many aspects but have some significant differences:

1. Derivation: SLES is derived from SLS through a process called ethoxylation, where ethylene oxide is introduced, reorganizing the compound to make it milder on the skin and hair.
2. Safety: SLS is known to be harsher on the skin and may aggravate the scalp or strip it of excess moisture. In contrast, SLES is kinder to the skin and hair, making it less irritating.
3. Contamination: SLES may be exposed to contamination during the ethoxylation process, which could potentially lead to the presence of traces of cancer-causing chemicals. However, it is essential to note that not all SLES products are contaminated, and non-contaminated SLES is safe to use.

In summary, SLS is a more potent and less gentle surfactant compared to SLES, which has been modified to be milder on the skin and hair. While there may be concerns about the potential for contamination in SLES, many products use non-contaminated SLES and are safe for use.

Comparative Table: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate vs Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are both surfactants used in various personal care products, such as shampoos, soaps, and toothpaste. They are responsible for creating foam and providing cleansing properties to these products. However, there are some differences between the two:

In summary, SLS and SLES are both surfactants that create foam and provide cleansing properties, but SLS is more irritating compared to SLES. SLES is derived from SLS through a process called ethoxylation, which makes it gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or strip the skin of excess moisture.