Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate ( SLES) is an anionic detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). SLES is an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent. SLES, SLS, ALS and sodium pareth sulfate are surfactants that are used in many cosmetic products for their cleansing and emulsifying properties. They behave similarly to soap. However, there are some advantages as follows.
1,4-Dioxane Contamination
Although SLES is considered safe at the concentrations used in cosmetic products, it is an irritant similar to other detergents, with the irritation increasing with concentration. SLES has been shown to produce eye or skin irritation in experimental animals and in some human test subjects. Some products containing SLES have been found to contain low levels of the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane, with the recommendation from the FDA that these levels be monitored.
Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate has an added ether chain, which is an inexpensive cleansing agent usually added to cleansers and shampoo. It is often used as a wetting agent in the textile industry and may cause extreme scalp irritation and hair loss. For infants, SLES penetration into the eyes and other tissues may be dangerous due to the enhanced susceptibility of absorption. When SLES is present with nitrogen-based ingredients, nitrates can form, creating possible carcinogens resulting in irritation, skin rash, scalp scurf and other associated allergic reactions.
sodiumheavyalkylbenzenesulfonate 