What it is
An ethoxylated sulfate surfactant, milder on skin than SLS due to the ether linkage.
What it does
Primary cleansing surfactant in most mainstream shampoos and body washes.
Why it’s a concern
Because SLES is produced via ethoxylation, it can carry 1,4-dioxane contamination, a probable human carcinogen per US EPA. A 2009 Organic Consumers Association report tested 100 children’s products and found 1,4-dioxane in over half. New York state now caps 1,4-dioxane at 2 ppm in personal care, but enforcement varies.
Also known as
SLESsodium lauryl ether sulfate
CAS numbers
9004-82-468891-38-3
Commonly found in
shampoobody washdish soap
Safer alternatives
- decyl glucoside
- coco-glucoside
- sodium cocoyl isethionate
Related chemical families
Sources
- OCA 1,4-Dioxane Report 2009
- US EPA IRIS 1,4-Dioxane