Uses of Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Pop quiz: what do shampoos, several brands of mascara and some hair dyes have in common? The answer: sodium laureth sulfate. This chemical compound plays a prominent role in all of these products because of its properties. Sodium laureth sulfate adds foaming and cleansing action as well as emulsification and viscosity to many cosmetic and cleaning products.

Foaming Agent

• Do you like that rich, creamy lather your shampoo produces? Thank sodium laureth sulfate. One property of the chemical compound is creating foam. Many people associate foam and lather with cleanliness. For liquid soap, shampoo and body wash producers, adding sodium laureth sulfate makes sense. It generates foam and lather, which makes customers think they are getting clean.

Mild Cleanser

• Sodium laureth sulfate also acts as a mild cleanser. Because of its cleansing properties, you can find it in many soaps, body washes and shampoos. However, sodium laureth sulfate will only provide a superficial, surface clean. If you want a deeper clean, use a product with more effective, abrasive ingredients.

Viscosity

• Viscosity refers to the thickness of a liquid. One of sodium laureth sulfate's qualities is a high level of viscosity. Therefore, the chemical compound appears on the ingredient lists of a number of mascaras. It thickens the makeup, and by extension, eyelashes. Without sodium laureth sulfate, the mascara would run off eyelashes.

Emulsifier

• Oil and water do not mix; it is a scientific fact. However, oil and water will actually adhere to each other when combined with an emulsifier. Emulsifiers are chemical binding agents, and sodium laureth sulfate has emulsifying properties. The chemical compound keeps different ingredients together in cosmetic and body care products.