SLS – SLES Analysis

Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLS and SLES with the abbreviation known by consumers.

The safety of cosmetic products for consumer use depends on various conditions such as content, production conditions and microbiological properties. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES) have recently been questioned due to consumer awareness and products labeled as “SLS - SLES free”.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is a widely used ingredient especially in cosmetics and detergents. It is a sodium salt of lauryl sulfuric acid. Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate (SLES), on the other hand, is very similar to SLS, but the difference between them is revealed during the production process. While obtaining SLS, lauryl alcohol is sulphated with SO3 and neutralized with NAOH. In the production of SLES, it is first ethoxylated, then sulfated and neutralized.

The reason for reducing the use of SLES or SLS in cosmetic products today is the possibility of causing skin irritation. Although they do not cause serious skin irritation, it can also be used with formulations that can increase or decrease skin irritation.

SLES – SLS is used in various cosmetic and personal care products such as shower gel and shampoo. There is a noticeable trend in the market to remove SLS and SLES from cosmetics. They present this situation to the consumer with the claims of "Does not contain SLES - Does not contain SLS" on the cosmetic products. Cosmetic product manufacturers should support every claim on their products with analysis and testing.

You can contact Nanolab Cosmetic Analysis Laboratory for the claims of “Does not contain SLES – Does not contain SLS”.