lauryylisulfaatti

Lauryylisulfaatti, commonly known as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), is a surfactant. It is an anionic detergent and emulsifier widely used in various consumer and industrial products. Its primary function is to reduce surface tension, allowing liquids to spread more easily and to mix with oil and dirt.

In personal care products, SLS is a common ingredient in shampoos, toothpastes, body washes, and soaps. It is responsible for creating lather and cleaning by lifting dirt and debris from surfaces. Its effectiveness in removing oils makes it a popular choice for cleansing formulations.

Industrially, SLS finds applications in manufacturing, as a lubricant, in detergents, and in laboratory settings as a protein denaturant and solubilizing agent. It is also used in research for electrophoresis techniques like SDS-PAGE, where it denatures proteins and coats them with a uniform negative charge, allowing for their separation based on molecular weight.

While widely used, concerns have been raised regarding its potential for skin and eye irritation, particularly in higher concentrations or for individuals with sensitive skin. Regulatory bodies generally consider SLS safe for use in cosmetic products at approved concentrations. However, some manufacturers offer SLS-free alternatives to cater to consumer preferences for gentler formulations.