What is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a versatile surfactant that is widely used in various industrial applications.

SLS is a food Additive!

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists sodium lauryl sulfate as a food additive, and considers it Generally Recognized as Safe or GRAS (please see 21 CFR 172.822).

What are the Benefits of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in Personal Care Products like Shampoos and Toothpaste?

Effective Cleansing: SLS is a surfactant that helps to remove dirt and oil from the skin and hair, leaving them feeling clean and fresh.

Rich Lather: SLS is an excellent foaming agent that creates a luxurious lather in products like shampoos and body washes, making them more appealing to consumers.

Penetration Enhancement: SLS can help other active ingredients penetrate the skin or hair, improving their effectiveness.

Solubility: SLS helps to dissolve other ingredients in a product, creating a smooth, uniform formula.

Low Cost: SLS is a relatively inexpensive ingredient, making it an attractive option for manufacturers looking to create affordable personal care products.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate in powder form.

Franz Ritter von Soxhlet (1848-1926) was a renowned agricultural chemist born in Brno. In 1879, he invented the Soxhlet extractor, a laboratory apparatus used for the extraction and purification of compounds from solids. Later in 1886, he advocated for pasteurization to be implemented in milk and other beverages. Soxhlet was the first scientist to fractionate milk proteins into casein, albumin, globulin, and lactoprotein, and he also identified lactose as the primary sugar present in milk.

In the early 1900s he discovered Sodium Lauryl Sulphate and changed the history of detergents and surfactants.  SLS paved the way for the creation of a wide range of cleaning and personal care products that are still in use today.

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