What are Sulfates?
Sulfates â specifically Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) â are powerful surfactants (cleansing agents) that create the rich foam we associate with "clean." They're incredibly effective at removing oil and dirt, but they can also strip away your skin's natural protective oils.
SLS is so effective at stripping oils that it's used as a standard irritant in clinical studies to test skin barrier function. Researchers literally use it to damage skin on purpose.
Where are they found?
Sulfates are the primary foaming agents in most cleansing products. If a product creates lots of foam, it probably contains sulfates.
Why do people avoid them?
Unlike true allergens, sulfates are irritants â they cause problems for nearly everyone, just to varying degrees. SLS strips away the skin's natural lipid barrier, leading to moisture loss and irritation. People with eczema, rosacea, or naturally dry skin are most affected.
SLES is milder than SLS because of its larger molecular structure, but it can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential carcinogen formed during manufacturing.
Sulfates become more irritating with exposure time. A quick rinse is less damaging than leaving product on skin. This is why shampoo causes more issues than body wash for most people.
In Indian Products đŽđŗ
Most mainstream Indian shampoos contain SLS or SLES â it's the ingredient that creates that "squeaky clean" feeling Indians often associate with effectiveness. The sulfate-free movement is growing, with brands like Mamaearth, WOW, Plum, and Forest Essentials offering alternatives. Traditional Ayurvedic cleansers use Reetha (soapnut) and Shikakai â natural, gentle surfactants.
Brands to check: Dove, Pantene, Head & Shoulders â almost all contain sulfates. Mamaearth and WOW are popular sulfate-free options.
How to check your products
Look for "Sodium Lauryl Sulfate" or "Sodium Laureth Sulfate" â they're usually in the first 5 ingredients since they're the primary cleansers. Products that are sulfate-free often say so prominently on the front label.
If you have colored hair, sulfate-free shampoo is a must â sulfates strip color faster. For everyone else, the key is contact time: rinse shampoo quickly rather than letting it sit.
Safer Alternatives
Gentler surfactants include Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Decyl Glucoside, and Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate. These create less foam but are much less stripping.