The Truth about SLS and SLES

Learning about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate.

With more individuals becoming curious about the ingredients in their bath and body products, SLS and SLES have been under the microscope for many consumers.

So What are SLS and SLES? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are surface active agents, used in soap, shampoos, detergents and toothpastes to create a foaming action when the products are in use. Many assume that SLS and SLES are ingredients that are the same, however they are not.

SLS is a chemical that penetrates deep into the skin and can cause irritation. SLES, although a close relative to SLS, has been proven to cause very little to no irritation to skin surfaces as it is not absorbed by the skin.

Today, SLS and SLES are mainly found in household cleaning products and detergents. Many skin care and beauty brands have either traded in these chemicals for more natural ingredients for their cleansers and body washes or use SLS – a more natural and organic cousin of SLS and SLES.

In some skin and body care products, there may be slight traces of SLES. However, SLES in small doses is not harmful to humans and its safety has been proven through many scientific studies.

At Elizabeth Grant Skin Care, all of our cleansers and body washes are SLS free. Our products contain little to no SLES and are rich in natural and organic ingredients.

For more information on SLS and SLES, please visit www.cosmeticsinfo.org