Cleaner Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

🧴 What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a foaming agent and surfactant commonly used in shampoos, body washes, face cleansers, toothpaste, and household cleaners. It helps products create lather and lift away dirt, oils, and buildup from the skin or hair. While widely used, its harsh nature and processing byproducts may feel irritating or overwhelming for those with increased chemical sensitivity.

🤔 Why Might a Sensitivity to Sodium Laureth Sulfate Occur?

A sensitivity to SLES may develop for several reasons:

Skin barrier disruption
SLES is a strong surfactant that may strip away natural oils, leaving the skin dry, tight, or more reactive.

Inflammation or irritation
Individuals with heightened skin sensitivity may experience reactions when their skin barrier feels stressed or exposed.

Chemical sensitivity
Some people feel more reactive to synthetic surfactants, especially when used daily or in multiple personal care products.

Processing byproducts
SLES is produced through ethoxylation, which may introduce trace impurities such as 1,4-dioxane — a compound that sensitive individuals may notice more strongly.

🛠️ What May Support General Wellness?

🧴 Avoid SLES-containing products for 8 weeks
This break may help your skin and system ease out of irritation cycles.

🔍 Read ingredient labels carefully
Look for Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, and similar surfactants.

🌿 Use gentle, sulfate-free alternatives
Choose products labeled as sulfate-free or designed for sensitive skin.

💧 Support moisture and barrier repair
Use hydrating lotions or conditioners that rely on plant-based or mild surfactants.

🔁 Retest your response after 8 weeks
This helps determine if removing SLES reduces your sensitivity.

Supportive General Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids – Support a balanced inflammatory response and skin barrier comfort.
Quercetin – Supports histamine balance and overall reactivity levels.
Milk thistle – Supports natural liver processes involved in clearing synthetic chemical exposures.
Probiotics – Support gut health, which influences skin wellness and immune balance.

🌟 Why Might I Have a Sensitivity to SLES but Not Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)?

Even though SLES and SLS appear similar, they differ in several ways:

Ethoxylation differences
SLES undergoes a chemical process that may introduce trace byproducts such as 1,4-dioxane — something your body may be more reactive to.

Different molecular behavior
Some individuals feel more irritated by SLES even though SLS is generally considered harsher.

Individual skin chemistry
Your skin barrier and natural oils may respond differently to each surfactant.

Product formulation
SLES formulas often include additional fragrances or preservatives, which may add to your total sensitivity load.

🍽️ Common Products That Contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate

• Mainstream shampoos

• Body washes and facial cleansers

• Bubble bath and foam products

• Toothpaste

• Household cleaning sprays

• Dish soaps and degreasers

🍃 Alternatives (if tolerated):

• Sulfate-free shampoos with coconut-based surfactants

• Castile soap

• Natural toothpaste varieties labeled SLS/SLES-free

• Plant-based home cleaning products