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Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Also known as: Sodium Laureth Sulfate, SLES, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate

Overview

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a synthetic surfactant primarily used in personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, and soaps. It is derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol, typically sourced from coconut or palm kernel oil. SLES is valued for its excellent foaming, emulsifying, and wetting properties, making it effective in cleansing and creating a lather. While it is widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations, SLES is not typically used as a dietary supplement. Research on SLES primarily focuses on its dermatological effects and safety in topical applications. It is important to note that SLES is often confused with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which has different properties and applications. The safety of SLES in personal care products has been extensively studied, but its use as a dietary supplement is neither common nor recommended.

Benefits

Since Sodium Laureth Sulfate is not used as a dietary supplement, there is no evidence to support any health benefits from its ingestion. Research primarily focuses on its use in personal care products, where it acts as a surfactant to cleanse skin and hair. Therefore, there are no established benefits related to dietary intake or supplementation.

How it works

As a surfactant, Sodium Laureth Sulfate works by reducing the surface tension between water and oil, allowing them to mix more easily. This emulsifying action helps to lift dirt and oils from the skin and hair, which can then be rinsed away with water. In personal care products, SLES interacts with the skin and hair to provide cleansing and foaming properties. It does not have a known mechanism of action related to internal biological pathways, as it is not intended for ingestion or use as a dietary supplement.

Side effects

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is generally considered safe for use in personal care products, but it can cause skin and eye irritation in some individuals. Common side effects include mild to moderate skin irritation, such as dryness, itching, or redness, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. Eye irritation can occur if the product comes into direct contact with the eyes. Allergic reactions are uncommon but possible. There are no known drug interactions or contraindications associated with SLES in the context of dietary supplements, as it is not intended for ingestion. Individuals with sensitive skin should consider using products formulated without SLES to avoid potential irritation.

Dosage

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is not intended for use as a dietary supplement, so there are no recommended dosages or guidelines for ingestion. It is exclusively used in personal care products for topical application. Therefore, any discussion of dosage is irrelevant in the context of dietary supplementation.

FAQs

Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate safe?

SLES is generally considered safe for topical use in personal care products. However, it can cause skin and eye irritation in some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin. It is not intended for ingestion.

What is the difference between Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)?

While both are surfactants, SLES is considered milder than SLS. SLES undergoes ethoxylation, a process that reduces its potential to cause skin irritation compared to SLS.

Can Sodium Laureth Sulfate be ingested?

No, Sodium Laureth Sulfate is not intended for ingestion. It is designed for topical use in personal care products. Ingesting SLES is not recommended and may cause adverse effects.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30839136/ – This systematic review examined the effectiveness of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)-free dentifrices in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The review included four trials with 124 participants and found that SLS-free dentifrices reduced the number of ulcers, duration of ulcers, number of episodes, and ulcer pain. This suggests that avoiding SLS in oral care products may benefit individuals prone to mouth ulcers.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10506142/ – This article discusses the use of detergents in the treatment of oral diseases. It highlights the potential benefits of using SLS-free products to manage conditions like recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The findings suggest that SLS can exacerbate oral irritation and that alternative detergents may be more suitable for sensitive individuals.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jop.12845 – This abstract examines the effect of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on oral tissues. The study suggests that SLS can contribute to oral irritation and may exacerbate conditions like recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The research supports the use of SLS-free oral care products for individuals with sensitive oral tissues.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1091581810373151 – This study investigates the irritant effect of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on the skin. The findings indicate that SLS can cause skin irritation, particularly with prolonged exposure. The research highlights the importance of considering SLS concentration and exposure duration in personal care products to minimize potential skin irritation.
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jced.3c00133 – This research focuses on the thermodynamic properties of sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) in aqueous solutions. The study provides detailed data on the behavior of SLES in water, which is relevant to understanding its performance in various applications. While not directly related to health effects, this research contributes to the broader understanding of SLES's chemical properties.