Ingredient Image

INCI name

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Ingredient Properties

Synthetic

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Benefit 3

Clients

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Channels

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Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is a surface-active agent (or surfactant) that makes thick, rich foam and helps cleanse the hair and skin.&nbsp;

Lush UK purchases this material from a Belgian company.

<i>With seven manufacturing sites across the globe, this information may vary depending on where your Lush products were made.</i>

Some will notice two materials with very similar names in Lush products’ ingredient lists: <a href="https://www.lush.com/uk/en/i/sodium-lauryl-sulfate">sodium lauryl sulfate</a> (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). It is often said that SLES should be preferred in cosmetic formulations as it’s a more processed version of SLS, created to be gentler on the skin. At Lush, we don’t really make that distinction as we think the difference is very subtle. We are more interested in the consistency of the two compounds. For example, we'll use SLS in shampoo bars because it’s in the form of tiny, solid needles and SLES in shower gels because it’s a paste.

Despite being used safely and successfully since the 1930s, sulfates (also spelt sulphates) like SLS and SLES have a bad reputation. Although experts agree that it’s safe to use, these compounds can be drying. This is more likely to be an issue for those who have dry, processed or afro hair or suffer from skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis or psoriasis — so we’re committed to offering alternatives.

We’re also particularly keen to reduce our use of these sulfates because palm oil is involved in their production. Since 2008, we’ve been trying to remove palm oil from our supply chain due to the devastating impact its cultivation has on the environment. However, boycotting palm oil is easier said than done and reformulating products with alternative compounds is a long process. If you want to know more about Lush’s journey with SLS and palm oil, click <a href="https://www.lush.com/%5Bchannel%5D/%5Blanguage%5D/a/lets-talk-about-sls">here</a>.

Ingredient

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is a surface-active agent (or surfactant) that makes thick, rich foam and helps cleanse the hair and skin. 

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

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