Frequently Asked Questions about SLES Free products

What are the main risks of SLES?

SLES can dry out skin and hair, while also seriously irritating the eyes and certain skin types.

What kinds of products contain SLES?

As a well-known foaming agent, SLES is most commonly found in hair and body products like shampoos, shower gels, body washes, soaps, toothpastes and cleansers. Next time you're shopping for the above products, try and find one that sports a SLES free label.

What is SLES?

SLES, more formerly known as sodium laureth sulfate, is a substance that is usually comes hand in hand with SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). SLES is the alcohol form of SLS: a substance that was originally created to clean up garage floors. Usually, cosmetic companies put this into products to create a rich lather that most of us usually associate with being clean. SLES is slightly less irritable than SLS but it is known to potentially cause more of a drying sensation when in contact with skin.

What has dioxane got to do with SLES?

There is a particular worry surrounding the use of SLES, as in some cases it can become contaminated with dioxane. Dioxane is a suspected carcinogen that can last a very long time within our bodies, making it an underlying concern.

What are the skin care benefits of SLES free beauty products?

Finding an SLES free product can give your hair and skin a much-needed break from dryness and irritation brought about by sodium laureth sulfate. There might be less of a lather, but also less distress caused to the skin.