At first glance, SLS, SLES and SLSA sound almost identical - but these ingredients are quite different. All are commonly used in beauty and personal care products to create foam, like the rich lather you experience when using shampoo. SLS stands for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, while SLES stands for Sodium Laureth Sulfate and SLSA for Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate. If you already take a conscious approach to the products you use, you may have heard of these ingredients before. Understanding the difference between them is key to knowing what’s truly best for your skin and hair, so let’s take a closer look.
What is SLS? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Although it has officially been marked as ‘safe to use’, SLS can cause skin irritation, which is bad news for people who have sensitive skin and have skin conditions such as eczema. SLS affects the proteins within the skin and over time the skin can become dry and cracked. In shampoos, SLS can cause hair to become weak which can then potentially lead to hair loss. This is due to SLS remaining in the follicles for some time after you have washed your hair. ishga does not use SLS in any products.
What is SLES? Sodium Laureth Sulfate
SLES is derived from the parent chemical SLS. However, the compound is altered through a process called ethoxylation, and the end result is the creation of a gentler, safer chemical. This means that it is safe to use in beauty products and it won’t irritate your skin. Products that use SLES can generate just as much lather and cleaning action as those containing SLS, but the key difference is that your skin will feel soft and nourished after using SLES, especially when combined with ingredients like seaweed extract, juniper berries, lemongrass, lavender and rose geranium – ishga's key ingredients.
What is SLSA? Sodium Laurl Sulfoacetate
SLSA is a mild, botanical-based ingredient that is often used as an alternative to SLS and SLES. It's known for it's ability to generate a creamy, rich lather that won't dry out skin. It's ideal for use for those with sensitive skin as it's mild and naturally derived (from coconut oil), meaning it's much less likely to cause reactions compared to synthetic ingredients.
At ishga, we never use SLS in any of our products. Instead, our Shampoo & Body Bar is formulated with SLSA - a gentle, skin-friendly alternative very similar to SLES that effectively cleanses without stripping away natural moisture. Designed to be kind to both your skin and the planet, our Shampoo & Body Bar is plastic-free and travel-ready, and is now even easier to take with you on the go using our Shampoo & Body Bar Travel Tin.
Ultimately, selecting the right ingredients for your personal care products comes down to a few key considerations; your skin type, individual preferences, and environmental values. Understanding the differences between SLS, SLES, and SLSA allows you to make more informed choices and find products that suit your needs best.
Questions about our ingredients? Feel free to get in touch.
