Sodium Laureth Sulfate (or SLES) is a Surfactant from the same family of chemicals as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. In cosmetics it’s used as detergent and foaming agent (to produce bubbles). You’ll find SLES in shampoos, shower-gels, facial cleansers and even dish soap.
SLES is sometimes thought of as a safer alternative to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. However, The Cosmetic Toiletry and Fragrance Association notes, unless it is used in extremely low concentrations, prolonged exposure to SLES is discouraged.
There is some controversy regarding SLES as a potential endocrine disrupter – mimicking Estrogen once absorbed in the body. Additionally, SLES has been linked to hair loss in some animal studies.
It is for these reasons all ExPürtise products are formulated free of Sodium Laureth Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. For more information, see our post on Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
