Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Updated: March 7th, 2010

*QUESTIONS*	*ANSWERS*
*What is this chemical?*	Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, etc.
*What is its purpose?*	It is an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent.
*Where is it found?*	detergents shampoo hair color and bleaching toothpaste/tooth whitening body wash/cleanser facial cleanser/creams liquid hand soap foundation mouthwash exfoliate/scrub moisturizer mascara dietary fiber insecticides varnish/paint removers

HEALTH CONCERNS

Is this chemical a carcinogen? No, however, see controversial issues below.

How can it affect me? Sodium laureth sulfate has been shown to increase the frequency of canker sores among people with frequent recurring sores. People with recurrent canker sores are recommended to avoid use of toothpastes containing sodium laureth sulfate. Sodium laureth sulfate is a known eye and skin irritant. Rinse your eyes and skin well after use of a product containing sodium laureth sulfates.

Are there controversial issues? Toxicology research by and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Toxicology Program (NTP) and the American Cancer Society has supported claims by the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA), now known as the Personal Care Products Council, that sodium laureth sulfate is not a carcinogen. However, sodium laureth sulfates and products containing them, have been found to contain very low levels of the known carcinogen 1,4-dioxane, which is not used as a cosmetic ingredient, rather a contaminant that may be present in extremely small amounts in some cosmetics. It forms as a byproduct during the manufacturing process of certain cosmetic ingredients. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers 1,4-dioxane to be a probable human carcinogen and a known irritant. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-dioxane, though it is not required by federal law.