Sodium laureth sulfate
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant found in many personal care products (soaps, shampoos, toothpaste etc.). A cheap and very effective foamer.

CH₃(CH₂)₁₀CH₂OCHCH₂(CH₂)₂OSOO₃Na

If SLES is not present sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS) or sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS, much stronger) will probably be.

There is a persistent but unfounded myth that SLES is carcinogenic. However, it can irritate the skin and cause nausea if ingested.

Sometimes listed as Steol-130, 230, 270, 330, 370 or 460; Stepanol; Alkyl Ether Sulfate; Sodium POE(2) Lauryl Ether Sulfate; Sodium Diethylene glycol Lauryl Ether Sulfate; Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate.

The original article can be found at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_laureth_sulfate.
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