Sodium laureth sulfate

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Sodium laureth sulfate
Image:Sodium laureth sulfate.png
Systematic name	Sodium laureth sulfate
Chemical formula	CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_nOSO₃Na
Molecular mass	around 420 g/mol
Density	x.xxx g/cm³
Melting point	xx.x °C
Boiling point	xx.x °C
CAS number	[009004-82-4]
SMILES	xxxxx
Disclaimer and references

Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). It is an inexpensive and very effective foamer.

Its chemical formula is C H₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂(OCH₂CH₂)_nOSO₃Na. Sometimes the number represented by "n" is specified in the name, for example laureth-2 sulfate. The commercial product is heterogeneous, both in the length of the alkyl chain (12 being the mode of the number of carbon atoms), and in the number of ethoxyl groups, where n is the mean. n=3 is common in commercial products. SLES can be derived from ethoxylation of SDS.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS; also known as sodium lauryl sulfate or SLS) and ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) are commonly used alternatives to SLES in consumer products, although they are more harsh on skin.<ref>Sodium Laureth Sulfate POE(2). Chemical Land 21, Seoul, Korea. Retrieved on 2006-08-10.</ref>

While SLS is a known irritant, anecdotal evidence and research suggest that SLES also irritates the eyes and skin after extended exposure<ref>[A.], et al. (Nov 1994). "Abnormal skin irritancy in atopic dermatitis and in atopy without dermatitis". Archives of Dermatology 130 (11).</ref> It also results in an increase in mouth ulcers (most commonly canker sores, RAS, Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis)^{[citation needed]}, possibly through a disruptive/denaturing effect on the oral mucin layer.

1 Effects on Sensitive Skin
2 Carcinogen Rumour
3 Alternative names
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Effects on Sensitive Skin

Products containing these substances can affect those prone to eczema and other irritants. These substances provide a foaming quality to the product, allowing for better distribution of the product while washing hair or skin and while brushing teeth. When rinsed off, the product will have cleaned the area but will have taken moisture from the top layers of skin. In people with sensitive skin (prone to dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis and chemical sensitivity) the drying property of these detergents can cause flare-ups of skin conditions or may worsen existing conditions. Canker sores and tongue irritations may be an effect on those with immune system issues, vitamin deficiencies and chemical sensitivities when used in toothpaste. These cases are more frequent with sensitive skin when used directly on the body (bath soap, liquid dish soap, shampoo, etc.) but may not irritate sensitive skin when used in laundry detergent and other cleaners.

[edit] Carcinogen Rumour

Rumors have circulated widely on the internet that SLS/SLES are carcinogenic. They have spread through chain emails citing a fake report supposedly published by the Journal of the American College of Toxicology. No legitimate evidence can be found to support this claim. In response to the rumour, the Cosmetics Toiletry and Fragrance Association (CTFA) and the American Cancer Society have confirmed it to be an urban legend. <ref>Rumor: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Causes Cancer. CTFA website. The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (13 October 2000). Retrieved on 2006-08-10.</ref> SLES and SLS have been known to become contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.<ref>Roderick E. Black, Fred J. Hurley, Donald C. Havery (May 2001). "Occurrence of 1,4-Dioxane in Cosmetic Raw Materials and Finished Cosmetic Products". Journal of AOAC International 84 (3): 666-670. Retrieved on 2006-10-24.</ref> The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency considers 1,4-dioxane to be a probable carcinogen.^{[citation needed]} While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages manufacturers to remove this contaminant, it not currently required by federal law.^{[citation needed]}