What is SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE used for?
Sodium laureth sulfate is a surfactant that lowers the surface tension between ingredients. It is used as a cleaning and foaming agent. It is milder and less irritating than sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It is used in products like shaving creams, lip balm, sanitizers, exfoliants, hand soaps, toothpastes, body washes, bubble baths, etc.
Origin
Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is prepared by ethoxylation of dodecyl alcohol, which is produced industrially from palm kernel oil or coconut oil. The resulting ethoxylate is converted to a half ester of sulfuric acid, which is neutralized by conversion to sodium salt.