Ingredient review
Sodium Laureth-5 Sulfate
INCI: SODIUM LAURETH-5 SULFATE
A gentler cousin of SLS that effectively cleanses without stripping the skin barrier.
In plain English
Sodium Laureth-5 Sulfate is a cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's made by adding ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) and then sulfating it. The '5' means it has about 5 ethylene oxide units, which makes it milder and less drying than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). You'll find it in many shampoos and body washes where it creates a rich lather but is less likely to cause irritation.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is relatively strong for its common cosmetic role.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- strong
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Sodium Laureth-5 Sulfate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sodium Laureth-5 Sulfate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
strongThere is a stronger practical or research basis for the ingredient role described here.
What it is
A synthetic anionic surfactant derived from coconut or palm oil, processed with ethylene oxide to reduce its harshness compared to SLS.
How it works
It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be emulsified and rinsed away. The ethoxylation (5 EO units) makes it larger and less penetrating than SLS, so it's gentler on the skin barrier.
Pros
Gentler than SLS
The ethoxylation makes it less irritating and drying, so it's suitable for daily use on most skin types.
Effective cleanser
It removes excess oil, dirt, and product buildup without leaving a heavy residue, making it ideal for shampoos and body washes.
Cons and cautions
Potential for trace contaminants
The manufacturing process can produce 1,4-dioxane, a possible carcinogen, though reputable brands purify to safe levels.
Not for very sensitive skin
Even though milder than SLS, it can still disrupt a compromised moisture barrier if used too frequently.
Best for
- People with normal to oily skin or hair
- Those who want effective cleansing without excessive irritation
Use caution if
- Individuals with severely compromised skin barriers or eczema
- Those who prefer completely sulfate-free formulations
Usage tips
Safety summary
Generally recognized as safe for rinse-off cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The main concern is trace 1,4-dioxane, which is regulated and minimized by quality manufacturers. Skin irritation is low for most users.
Research notes
Studies show Sodium Laureth Sulfate (with 2–5 EO) is significantly less irritating to skin and eyes than SLS. It does not accumulate in the body and is not a known endocrine disruptor at cosmetic levels.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 5–15% in rinse-off products; lower in leave-on formulas
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and EU CosIng database. Manufacturers are advised to keep 1,4-dioxane levels below 10 ppm.
- Common uses
- Shampoos, Body washes, Facial cleansers, Shower gels
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable plant sources (coconut or palm oil), but the ethoxylation process is energy-intensive. Biodegradability is moderate.
Good to know
- The '5' in the name refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units, which determines its mildness.
- It is often used in combination with other surfactants to balance foam and gentleness.
Common questions
What is Sodium Laureth-5 Sulfate in beauty products?
Sodium Laureth-5 Sulfate is a cleansing ingredient that helps water mix with oil and dirt so they can be rinsed away. It's made by adding ethylene oxide to lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil) and then sulfating it. The '5' means it has about 5 ethylene oxide units, which makes it milder and less drying than Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). You'll find it in many shampoos and body washes where it creates a rich lather but is less likely to cause irritation.
What does Sodium Laureth-5 Sulfate do in a beauty product?
It lowers the surface tension between water and oil, allowing dirt, sebum, and makeup to be emulsified and rinsed away. The ethoxylation (5 EO units) makes it larger and less penetrating than SLS, so it's gentler on the skin barrier.
Is Sodium Laureth-5 Sulfate safe for most people?
Generally recognized as safe for rinse-off cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The main concern is trace 1,4-dioxane, which is regulated and minimized by quality manufacturers. Skin irritation is low for most users.
Who should be careful with Sodium Laureth-5 Sulfate?
Individuals with severely compromised skin barriers or eczema Those who prefer completely sulfate-free formulations
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.