Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Also Known As: Sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium alkylethersulfate
What is it? Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is an anionic detergent and surfactant commonly found in many personal care products such as soaps, shampoos, and toothpaste. It is known for its excellent foaming properties, making it a popular ingredient in products that require lathering.
What Makes it Different? SLES is a derivative of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), but it undergoes an additional process called ethoxylation. This process involves adding ethylene oxide to SLS, which makes SLES less harsh and less irritating to the skin compared to SLS. This difference makes SLES a preferred choice in many personal care products.
Where Does it Come From? SLES is derived from fatty alcohols, which are typically sourced from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. The production process involves ethoxylation of dodecyl alcohol, followed by sulfation and neutralization to form the sodium salt.
Where is it Used? SLES is widely used in:
- Shampoos
- Soaps
- Toothpaste
- Bubble baths
- Household cleaning products
- Industrial cleaning agents
Its ability to create a rich lather and its effectiveness as a cleaning agent make it a versatile ingredient in various formulations.
Is it Sustainable? The sustainability of SLES is a complex issue. While it is derived from natural sources like palm kernel oil and coconut oil, the production and sourcing of these oils can have significant environmental impacts. The cultivation of palm oil, in particular, is associated with deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.
Sustainability Issues Related to Its Production:
- Deforestation: The demand for palm oil has led to large-scale deforestation in tropical regions, contributing to the loss of biodiversity and the displacement of wildlife.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The clearing of forests for palm oil plantations releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.
- Water Pollution: The production process can result in the release of pollutants into water bodies, affecting aquatic life and water quality.
- Labor Practices: There are concerns about labor practices in the palm oil industry, including poor working conditions and exploitation of workers.
Efforts are being made to address these issues through sustainable sourcing practices, such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification, which aims to promote the growth and use of sustainable palm oil products.