Sodium Laureth Sulfate

CHEMECAL FORMULA:
Its chemical formula is CH3(CH2)11(OCH2CH2)nOSO3Na. Sodium laureth sulfate
is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps,
shampoos, toothpaste etc.). It is an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent
made by mixing sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, and sodium salt. Sodium
laureth sulfate may cause eye or skin irritation.

MADE OF ACTION:
Sodium laureth sulfate works well as a foamer, cleaner, and degreaser. So, if you
are using a product that produces lots of suds, bubbles, or foam, it may very well
contain SLES. Sodium laureth sulfate is often used in laundry and hand
dishwashing detergents. In addition, it can be found in cleansers, carpet
cleaners, toilet cleaning products, stain and odor removers, all-purpose cleaners,
etc. Sodium laureth sulfate isn't just limited to cleaning uses, it can also be found
in plenty of personal care products, such as shampoos, facial cleansers, make-up
removers, soaps, body washes, bubble baths, and even toothpaste! Check
the Good Guide or the Environmental Working Groups Skin Deep Cosmetic
Database for cosmetic products that may contain it. Seriously consider the health
and safety effects of sodium laureth sulfate before using products with them.
SOURCE OF INGREDIENT:
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is and ingredient derived from ethoxylated lauryl alcohol
and used as a surfactant; may be contaminated with potentially toxic
manufacturing impurities such as 1,4-dioxane.

PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
While the compound itself is safe in the levels used for everyday household
products, the components, namely sulfur trioxide, may at first seem alarming
given that sulfur is a known toxin. But within the compound, sulfur is
neutralized and is not toxic. It can emit toxins, notes the CDC, if it is burned and
it is a combustible compound, though only at very high temperatures. For home
use, always store it out of reach of children and in a space that's not close to a
drain.

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT:
Environmental chemical exposure is a major concern for consumers of
packaged goods. The complexity of chemical nomenclature and wide availability
of scientific research provide detailed information but lends itself to
misinterpretation by the lay person. For the surfactant sodium laureth sulfate
(SLES), this has resulted in a misunderstanding of the environmental health
impact of the chemical and statements in the media that are not scientifically
supported. This review demonstrates how scientific works can be
misinterpreted and used in a manner that was not intended by the authors,
while simultaneously providing insight into the true environmental health
impact of SLES. SLES is an anionic surfactant commonly used in consumer
household cleaning products. For decades, this chemical has been developing a
negative reputation with consumers because of inaccurate interpretations of
the scientific literature and confusion between SLES and chemicals with
similar names. Here, we review the human and environmental toxicity profiles
of SLES and demonstrate that it is safe for use in consumer household
cleaning products.

SOURCE OF INFORMATION:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_laureth_sulfate