What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Is it Safe to Use?

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Should you avoid TEA-Lauryl Sulfate?

TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, the triethanolamine salt of Lauryl Sulfate, is a viscous and yellow liquid. It is a surfactant which allows the oil and water molecules to bind together-it’s what’s found in soaps and detergents so we can wash our oily faces or dishes with water and get the grime to disappear.

You can find it in all kinds of cleansing products, like shampoos, body washes, face cleansers, and even shaving creams.

What Does TEA-Lauryl Sulfate Do In Skincare And Haircare Products?

TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is a cleansing agent.

If you’ve ever tried to wash a greasy pan with water alone, you know it doesn’t work. You scrub, scrub, scrub, but the grease stubbornly sticks to the pan. It just won’t budge.

That’s because oil and water don’t mix. They’re incompatible. You need a third party to help them get along and collaborate. That’s where TEA-Lauryl Sulfate comes in.

This surfactant helps water mix with oil and dirt, so they can easily be rinsed away. No harsh scrubbing. No pain. Just clean skin (and hair).

Does TEA-Lauryl Sulfate Has Any Side Effects?

Here’s the deal: all surfactants have the potential to be drying. If you have to remove dirt and grime, you can’t be too gentle or you won’t do the job.

But some surfactants are harsher than others.TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is one of the harshest and potentially drying especially when it’s the primary cleansing agent in a product.

That’s why TEA-Lauryl Sulfate isn’t that common these days. We have alternatives, and most brands use them. Phew!

If you come across a cleanser with this surfactant, make sure it’s not the only surfactant there. Also, the farther down the ingredient list it is, the better.

Even then, if you have dry or sensitive skin, it may be best to avoid TEA-Lauryl Sulfate completely.

P.S. Don’t get this stuff in your eyes. It’s irritating!

TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is an effective, but harsh surfactant that can cleanse skin and hair, removing all traces of dirt and oil. But it can be drying and irritating. Use it carefully!

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