A-Z of Cosmetic Ingredients and Terms
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are ingredients commonly used in everyday cosmetic and personal care products—like shampoos, toothpastes and cleansers. They ae known as surfactants, which means they have excellent cleaning properties and create the foam that we see when using products such as shampoos and soaps.
You may have come across online rumours suggesting that SLS is harmful or even linked to cancer. These claims are not supported by scientific evidence. In fact, both SLS and SLES have been thoroughly reviewed by independent scientific bodies in the UK, EU and internationally.
SLS has been evaluated multiple times, including by the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, which confirmed its safety in 1983 and again in 2002 after reviewing over 250 additional studies. Neither the UK nor EU authorities have raised any concerns about its safe use in cosmetics.
While high concentrations of SLS can cause temporary skin irritation, this is not seen at the low concentrations of SLS used in cosmetics and personal care products. These products have been used safely by millions of people for decades.
SLES, a closely related ingredient, is also widely used and valued for its mildness and biodegradability. It’s safe for use on the skin and is found in many rinse-off products.
At the heart of our industry is a commitment to safety. Every cosmetic product must pass a rigorous safety assessment before it reaches the shelves. You can continue to use your favourite products with confidence, knowing they meet strict safety standards.
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