One reason may be the type of surfactants used in the product. Surfactants are the ingredients responsible for lifting and removing dirt, oils, and grease.
Two of the most common surfactants found in household and personal care products are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
They are commonly found in:
- Dishwashing liquids
- Laundry detergents
- Surface cleaners
- Hand soaps
- Body washes
- Shampoos
- Toothpastes
For some individuals, especially those with sensitive skin or frequent exposure to cleaning products, this may contribute to dryness, irritation, redness, discomfort, and disruption of the skin barrier.
SLS, in particular, is well known in dermatology research as a skin irritant and is frequently used in studies evaluating skin sensitivity and irritation potential.
-
What is it?
Surfactants are ingredients that help water lift and remove oils, grease, and dirt from surfaces, fabrics, and skin.
-
Did You Know
• SLS is commonly used in dermatology research as a reference ingredient for studying skin irritation and skin barrier disruption.
• The same ingredients that remove grease from dishes can also remove some of the skin’s natural oils. -
Cleaning Vs. The Feeling of Clean
The discussion is not whether sulfates clean.
The discussion is how aggressively they clean. -
Label Decoder
Look for:
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
