Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Also known as: SLS, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
A powerful anionic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol, known for its strong degreasing and foaming properties.
Why is it used in products?
It's cheap, extremely effective at cutting grease, and creates thick, rich foam — making it a workhorse in cleansing products worldwide.
Why does it clog pores?
SLS is one of the most irritating common surfactants, aggressively stripping the skin barrier and causing reactive sebum overproduction. This excess oil floods pores and combines with dead cells to form comedones. SLS also directly irritates the follicular epithelium, increasing the likelihood of inflammatory acne lesions.
Commonly found in
- shampoos
- facial cleansers
- body washes
- toothpaste
- dish soap