Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is found in shampoos, soaps, various beauty and cleaning products, and even some foods. Learn more about this chemical, such as how it works and whether it’s safe.

Well, it is, sort of. It’s a contraction for “lauryl ether” in its more formal name, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, or SLES. Lauryl, of course, is an early term for what is now called the dodecyl alkyl ...

If you looked at the ingredient list on your body wash, shampoo, toothpaste and cleaning products, you’d probably find most contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It is a known irritant to human skin.