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SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

Last update on Mar 3, 2026

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is one of the most widely used anionic surfactants in personal care products. It is an ethoxylated version of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), typically with 1-3 moles of ethylene oxide. It significantly reduces irritation while maintaining excellent foaming and cleansing power. This clear to pale yellow viscous liquid creates rich, dense, stable lather even in hard water. It is the primary cleansing agent in shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, hand soaps, bubble baths, and sulfate-based syndet bars. It is cost-effective, efficient at low concentrations, and delivers luxurious foam and clean-rinse performance.

CAS Number: 3088-31-1 / 9004-82-4 / 68891-38-3 / 1335-72-4 / 68585-34-2 / 91648-56-5Chem/IUPAC Name: Sodium 2-(2-dodecyloxyethoxy)ethyl sulphateEINECS/ELINCS No: 221-416-0/ - / 500-234-8 / - / 500-223-8 / 293-918-8COSING REF No: 79583

Products with SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

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STEOL® CS-370 ULTRA

by Stepan Company

INCI: SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

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Original documents

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Purton CM/20

by Zschimmer & Schwarz

INCI: COCAMIDE MEA | SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

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ZETESAP C 11

by Zschimmer & Schwarz

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What is SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE used for?

Sodium laureth sulfate is a surfactant that lowers the surface tension between ingredients. It is used as a cleaning and foaming agent. It is milder and less irritating than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It is used in products like shaving creams, lip balm, sanitizers, exfoliants, hand soaps, toothpastes, body washes, bubble baths, etc.

Origin

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is prepared by ethoxylation of dodecyl alcohol, which is produced industrially from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. The resulting ethoxylate is converted to a half ester of sulfuric acid, which is neutralized by conversion to sodium salt.

What does SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE do in a formulation?

CLEANSING|

EMULSIFYING|

FOAMING|

SURFACTANT

Safety Profile

It has a moderate hazard rating from EWG (typically 3-4) due to potential for skin/eye irritation at high concentrations and possible 1,4-dioxane contamination from ethoxylation (minimized in purified grades). It is significantly milder than SLS due to ethoxylation, with lower irritation potential in rinse-off products at typical use levels (5-25%).