Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

AKA “SODIUM SALT, 98%, FOR BIOCHEMISTRY, DODECYL SULFATE SODIUM SALT, LAURYL SULFATE SODIUM SALT, SDS”

Surfactant

Ingredient Facts

Sodium lauryl sulfate

AKA: SODIUM SALT, 98%, FOR BIOCHEMISTRY, DODECYL SULFATE SODIUM SALT, LAURYL SULFATE SODIUM SALT, SDS

Surfactant · Cleansing · EWG: 1

Synthetic

Cleanser

Emulsifier

Plant Oil

Clean

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant used in many cleaning and hygiene products. It is naturally derived from coconut and/or palm kernel oil. It usually consisting of a mixture of sodium alkyl sulfates, mainly the lauryl. SLS lowers surface tension of aqueous solutions and is used as fat emulsifier, wetting agent, and detergent in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and toothpastes. It is also used in creams and pastes to properly disperse the ingredients and as research tool in protein biochemistry. SLS also has some microbicidal activity. The molecule has a tail of 12 carbon atoms, attached to a sulfate group, giving the molecule the amphiphilic properties required of a detergent. SLS is a highly effective surfactant used in any task requiring the removal of oily stains and residues. As such the compound is found in high concentrations in industrial products including engine degreasers, floor cleaners, and car wash soaps. In household products, SLS is used in lower concentrati

Formula

C12H25NaO4S

Mol. Weight

288.38

CAS #

151-21-3

Form

Powder

See origin →

Functions

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Denaturant

Foaming

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Emulsifying

Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.

Removes Impurities

Makes Alcohol Undrinkable

Creates Lather

Cleansing Surfactant

Traditional Use

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was developed in the early 20th century as a synthetic surfactant. It became widely used in cosmetics and personal care products from the 1930s onward as a cleansing and foaming agent, replacing natural soap-based products.