What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
When manufacturers mix sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, and sodium salt together, they can, surprisingly, come up with an everyday product that is used by much of the general human population. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), is a chemical compound used as a detergent in many beauty, household, and industrial products. In a pure state, sodium lauryl sulfate is known to emit toxic fumes in the presence of excessive heat because of thermal decomposition. But when mixed into diluted concentrations, they can be bottled and sold as your favorite brand name skin care product or cologne. Its role in these products is usually that of a foaming or a dispersal agent. For example, toothpaste or bubble baths that foam when used contain sodium lauryl sulfate, as well as products that need its components dispersed homogeneously, such as fragrance oils in body spray. However, the use of sodium lauryl sulfate has been a subject of lot of controversy. It has arguably been called one of the most dangerous
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant and foaming agent, used mostly for lathering purposes. It is often described as being “derived from coconut”. The lauryl part of the chemical name comes from lauric acid, the predominant fatty acid in coconut oil. In reality, the resemblance to coconut is tenous. SLS is found in many skincare products where a foaming ability is desired; shampoo, bubble bath, foaming facial wash, shower gel, toothpaste, baby wash and “soap free” cleansing bars.
