What Are Sulfates (SLS/SLES)? Should You Avoid Them?

Pure Decode Skin · July 29, 2026

"Sodium Lauryl Sulfate" and similar sulfate surfactants show up constantly on shampoo and body wash labels. Social media likes to call them "dangerous" or even "carcinogenic," but those claims aren't well supported by evidence. The real issue isn't toxicity — it's that sulfates clean so effectively that they can cause irritation and dryness. Here's a balanced rundown of what sulfates do, who should be cautious, and how to spot them on a label.

Why They're Used

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) are cleansing agents that efficiently strip away oil and dirt while producing a rich, satisfying lather. They're inexpensive and highly effective at both cleaning and foaming, which is why they've been a staple in shampoos, face washes, and body washes for decades.

Why They're Considered "Not Great" for Skin and Hair

Because sulfates clean so thoroughly, they can also strip away oils your skin and scalp actually need, which can lead to dryness, that tight post-wash feeling, scalp itchiness, and frizzy or brittle-feeling hair. This isn't a toxicity issue — it's about irritation potential and how aggressively they remove oil. Plenty of people with healthy, resilient skin use sulfate-based products with no problems at all.

Who Should Be Especially Cautious

• Dry or sensitive skin: A weaker skin barrier means irritation and dryness are felt more easily.
• Curly or dry hair: Already prone to oil scarcity, so frizz and dryness tend to show up more.
• Color-treated or permed hair: Sulfates can accelerate color fading and added damage.
• Eczema or atopic-prone skin: Irritation can make existing symptoms worse.

How to Spot Them on the Ingredient List (INCI)

If you see any of the following on the label, you're looking at a sulfate cleanser.

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
• Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate

If you'd rather avoid them, look for "sulfate-free" products that use gentler cleansing agents instead, like Cocamidopropyl Betaine or Coco-Glucoside. Just know that cleansing power and lather tend to be noticeably milder with these alternatives.