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All ingredients & pairings

SLES (a sulfate)

SLES (a sulfate) helps remove dirt and oil, and also helps the product lather, and keeps oil and water blended together.

INCI: Sodium Laureth Sulfate

ReferenceCatalog-linked

Find formulas with this

Good to know

Sulfatenote
An effective cleanser that can be stripping for very dry skin or curly hair.

Understanding this record

The listed functions explain its role in a formula. They do not establish whether a finished product will suit your skin.

No reviewed benefit claim is available here yet. Compare the complete formula, its directions, and your own skin preferences.

See formulas with SLES (a sulfate)Your skin preferences

What a CosIng listing means

Decision snapshot

Current record

INCI name: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
In our catalog: Found in 314 of the 7,133 products we've decoded
Label position: Typically #2 of a label (top third) — across 311 decoded labelsLabels list ingredients in descending order only above 1% — position is a rough signal, not a concentration claim.

Names & references

Official label names and chemical registry identifiers, with each available source kept explicit.

Official INCI name: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Korean · KCIA: 소듐라우레스설페이트

Chemical registries

CAS3088-31-1 / 9004-82-4 / 68891-38-3 / 1335-72-4 / 68585-34-2 / 91648-56-5EC221-416-0/ - / 500-234-8 / - / 500-223-8 / 293-918-8PubChem23665884

In the Journal

'Sulfate-Free' Isn't a Health Claim — It's Surfactant Chemistry
The 'sulfates cause cancer' scare is misinformation, but sulfates really do behave differently from gentler surfactants — and there's an actual, measurable reason why.

Where it fits in real formulas

Related ingredients, common formula neighbors, naming, and catalog context. This stays separate from evidence and personal-fit guidance.

Similar ingredients

related by documented function or concern

CicaFunctions as a botanical skin-conditioning ingredient

Where it's used

Real brands and product categories from the 314 decoded products listing SLES (a sulfate) — an observation of our catalog, not a claim about market share.

Brands

Head & Shoulders (17)L'Oréal (13)Garnier (10)Tresemmé (10)Wella (8)Palmolive (7)Alpecin (6)Dessange (5)

Product categories

shampoos (210), cleansers (17), stylings (13), exfoliants (5), moisturizers (4), body washs (2)

Based on those categories, SLES (a sulfate) shows up mostly in rinse-off products (234 of 255 classified) — derived from product category, not a label fact.

Commonly appears alongside

How often another ingredient appears in the same decoded products. This does not show routine compatibility.

Zinc Pyrithione4%13 of 314 decoded products Piroctone Olamine16%49 of 314 decoded products Climbazole1%4 of 314 decoded products Hydrolyzed Keratin4%13 of 314 decoded products BHA exfoliant17%53 of 314 decoded products Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein4%12 of 314 decoded products AHA exfoliant (gentle)6%20 of 314 decoded products Caffeine3%10 of 314 decoded products Pro-vitamin B530%93 of 314 decoded products

Frequently asked questions

What does Sodium Laureth Sulfate do in a formula?

SLES (a sulfate)'s CosIng-listed function is "surfactant - cleansing": helps remove dirt and oil.

How common is Sodium Laureth Sulfate in skincare?

SLES (a sulfate) appears in 4% of the 7,133 decoded products in our catalog (314 products).

Which brands use Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

In the products we've decoded, SLES (a sulfate) appears in formulas from Head & Shoulders, L'Oréal, Garnier, Tresemmé, Wella.

What kinds of products contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

In our decoded catalog, SLES (a sulfate) shows up mostly in shampoos (210), cleansers (17), stylings (13), exfoliants (5), moisturizers (4), body washs (2).

Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate typically rinse-off or leave-on?

Based on the categories of the decoded products that list it, SLES (a sulfate) shows up mostly in rinse-off products (234 of 255 classified). This is derived from product category, not a label fact.

What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate called in Korean?

On Korean labels, SLES (a sulfate) is listed as 소듐라우레스설페이트.

Where does Sodium Laureth Sulfate usually appear on the ingredient list?

Typically #2 of a label (top third) — across 311 decoded labels. Labels list ingredients in descending order only above 1% — position is a rough signal, not a concentration claim.

Products with SLES (a sulfate)

All 255 →

255 public products list this ingredient.

Catalog preview

A compact look at the first products in this result set

1–1 / 12

Browse full product list

About the sources

Ingredient lists show presence and order, not concentration, pH, ingredient grade, delivery system, or finished-formula performance.

Sources & methodology

Compiled from the EU CosIng database (ref 79583) · snapshot 16 June 2026. CosIng is an informational, non-legally-binding reference. Inclusion does not mean an ingredient is approved, safe, authorized for cosmetic use, or clinically effective. An INCI list does not reveal concentration, pH, ingredient grade, delivery system, or finished-formula performance.

All ingredients & pairings

SLES (a sulfate)

SLES (a sulfate) helps remove dirt and oil, and also helps the product lather, and keeps oil and water blended together.

INCI: Sodium Laureth Sulfate

ReferenceCatalog-linked

Find formulas with this

Good to know

Sulfatenote
An effective cleanser that can be stripping for very dry skin or curly hair.

Understanding this record

The listed functions explain its role in a formula. They do not establish whether a finished product will suit your skin.

No reviewed benefit claim is available here yet. Compare the complete formula, its directions, and your own skin preferences.

See formulas with SLES (a sulfate)Your skin preferences

What a CosIng listing means

Decision snapshot

Current record

INCI name: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
In our catalog: Found in 314 of the 7,133 products we've decoded
Label position: Typically #2 of a label (top third) — across 311 decoded labelsLabels list ingredients in descending order only above 1% — position is a rough signal, not a concentration claim.

Names & references

Official label names and chemical registry identifiers, with each available source kept explicit.

Official INCI name: Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Korean · KCIA: 소듐라우레스설페이트

Chemical registries

CAS3088-31-1 / 9004-82-4 / 68891-38-3 / 1335-72-4 / 68585-34-2 / 91648-56-5EC221-416-0/ - / 500-234-8 / - / 500-223-8 / 293-918-8PubChem23665884

In the Journal

'Sulfate-Free' Isn't a Health Claim — It's Surfactant Chemistry
The 'sulfates cause cancer' scare is misinformation, but sulfates really do behave differently from gentler surfactants — and there's an actual, measurable reason why.

Where it fits in real formulas

Related ingredients, common formula neighbors, naming, and catalog context. This stays separate from evidence and personal-fit guidance.

Similar ingredients

related by documented function or concern

CicaFunctions as a botanical skin-conditioning ingredient

Where it's used

Real brands and product categories from the 314 decoded products listing SLES (a sulfate) — an observation of our catalog, not a claim about market share.

Brands

Head & Shoulders (17)L'Oréal (13)Garnier (10)Tresemmé (10)Wella (8)Palmolive (7)Alpecin (6)Dessange (5)

Product categories

shampoos (210), cleansers (17), stylings (13), exfoliants (5), moisturizers (4), body washs (2)

Based on those categories, SLES (a sulfate) shows up mostly in rinse-off products (234 of 255 classified) — derived from product category, not a label fact.

Commonly appears alongside

How often another ingredient appears in the same decoded products. This does not show routine compatibility.

Frequently asked questions

What does Sodium Laureth Sulfate do in a formula?

SLES (a sulfate)'s CosIng-listed function is "surfactant - cleansing": helps remove dirt and oil.

How common is Sodium Laureth Sulfate in skincare?

SLES (a sulfate) appears in 4% of the 7,133 decoded products in our catalog (314 products).

Which brands use Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

In the products we've decoded, SLES (a sulfate) appears in formulas from Head & Shoulders, L'Oréal, Garnier, Tresemmé, Wella.

What kinds of products contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

In our decoded catalog, SLES (a sulfate) shows up mostly in shampoos (210), cleansers (17), stylings (13), exfoliants (5), moisturizers (4), body washs (2).

Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate typically rinse-off or leave-on?

Based on the categories of the decoded products that list it, SLES (a sulfate) shows up mostly in rinse-off products (234 of 255 classified). This is derived from product category, not a label fact.

What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate called in Korean?

On Korean labels, SLES (a sulfate) is listed as 소듐라우레스설페이트.

Where does Sodium Laureth Sulfate usually appear on the ingredient list?

Typically #2 of a label (top third) — across 311 decoded labels. Labels list ingredients in descending order only above 1% — position is a rough signal, not a concentration claim.

Products with SLES (a sulfate)

All 255 →

255 public products list this ingredient.

Catalog preview

A compact look at the first products in this result set

1–1 / 12

Browse full product list

About the sources

Ingredient lists show presence and order, not concentration, pH, ingredient grade, delivery system, or finished-formula performance.

Sources & methodology

Your cookie choices

Good to know

Understanding this record

Decision snapshot

Names & references

In the Journal

Where it fits in real formulas

Where it's used

Frequently asked questions

Products with SLES (a sulfate)

[fino] Premium Touch Shampoo 550ml

Mise en Scene Salon 10 Professional Cica Protein Shampoo 480ml

ILLIYOON Fresh Moisture Scrub Wash 625ml

Dr.Groot Clinical Relief Scalp Shampoo 350ml

[KERASTASE] Specifique Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo 500ml

[KERASTASE] Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo 500ml

[TSUBAKI] Premium Volume & Repair Shampoo 450ml

[Lador] Tea Tree Calming Scalp Shampoo 330ml

[CLABO] Fresh Citrus Deep Clean Shampoo 960ml

[CLABO] Tropical Citrus Deep Clean Shampoo 960ml

[Dr.Melaxin] Protein Bonding Remodeling Shampoo 400ml

[KERASYS] Propolis Damage Repair Shampoo 1000ml

About the sources

Good to know

Understanding this record

Decision snapshot

Names & references

In the Journal

Where it fits in real formulas

Where it's used

Frequently asked questions

Products with SLES (a sulfate)

[fino] Premium Touch Shampoo 550ml

Mise en Scene Salon 10 Professional Cica Protein Shampoo 480ml

ILLIYOON Fresh Moisture Scrub Wash 625ml

Dr.Groot Clinical Relief Scalp Shampoo 350ml

[KERASTASE] Specifique Bain Divalent Balancing Shampoo 500ml

[KERASTASE] Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo 500ml

[TSUBAKI] Premium Volume & Repair Shampoo 450ml

[Lador] Tea Tree Calming Scalp Shampoo 330ml

[CLABO] Fresh Citrus Deep Clean Shampoo 960ml

[CLABO] Tropical Citrus Deep Clean Shampoo 960ml

[Dr.Melaxin] Protein Bonding Remodeling Shampoo 400ml

[KERASYS] Propolis Damage Repair Shampoo 1000ml

About the sources