At A glace,
SLS: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a.k.a. SDS: Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate)
SLES: Sodium Laureth Sulfate (a.k.a. Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate)
ALS: Ammonium lauryl sulfate
1. What is it?
Surfactants (create foam and clean) used in face cleanser, body wash, and shampoo.
They are sulfates derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, petroleum oil, or synthetically made, but are not considered natural.
SLS is a small molecule allowing it to penetrate the area where new skin cells are formed. That is why SLS irritates the skin causing redness or dryness.
SLES is derived from SLS.
This process makes SLES safer and gentler to use in bath and body care products than SLS.
ALS is an alternative to SLS but can also cause irritation.
Safer alternatives:
- sodium lauryl sulfoacetate (SLSA)
- Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
- Disodium / Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate
- Decyl glucoside
- Lauryl glucoside
If you have sensitive skin or dermatitis, you’re going to want to steer clear of SLS. For oily skin, SLS will make you oilier.
If you suffer with whiteheads and blackheads, it could be as a result of SLS.
SLS shampoos have been linked to weakened hair and hair loss because SLS often remain in hair follicles long after washing.
SLS is deemed as ‘safe to use’ by The Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel (CIR) for washing off products and should not exceed 1% for products with prolonged skin contact.
SLES is derived from SLS through ethoxylation (ethylene oxide is added).
source: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-to-know-sulfate