SLS vs. SLES: What They Are and Why We Formulate Without Them

Aug 27, 2026

What Are SLS and SLES

SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) are two of the most common cleansing and foaming agents in shampoo. They're surfactants, meaning they're the ingredient responsible for that rich lather and for lifting oil, dirt, and product buildup off your hair and scalp. If you've ever wondered what actually makes shampoo clean your hair instead of just smelling nice, this is it.

The Difference Between SLS and SLES

SLS is the original, simpler version of the two. SLES starts out the same way, then goes through an extra processing step that makes the molecule larger and gentler. Practically speaking, that means SLS tends to be the stronger and more stripping of the two, more likely to leave hair and scalp feeling dry or irritated with repeated use. SLES cleans just as effectively but is built to be milder, though it's still a strong surfactant, not a gentle one.

Neither ingredient is dangerous in a properly formulated, regulated product. The difference between them comes down to how harsh they feel on hair and scalp over time, not a safety question.

Why the Industry Is Moving Toward Clean Alternatives

More hair and skin care brands, us included, are formulating without SLS/SLES altogether in favor of gentler surfactants that clean effectively without stripping natural oils. It's less about SLS/SLES being unsafe and more about there being better options now, especially for scalp comfort and for color-treated hair, since stripping surfactants can accelerate color fading.

That's why every Raw Sugar formula is formulated without SLS/SLES, along with parabens, phthalates, silicones, and synthetic dyes. It's part of what we mean when we call our formulas clean. Read more in Why Clean Ingredients Matter. This same shift is happening with other common ingredients too, like parabens; Cleveland Clinic's overview of parabens is a good look at that side of the conversation.

What to Look for on a Sulfate-Free Label

If you want to check for yourself, ingredient lists are required to list ingredients in order of concentration. Look for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate near the beginning of the list. If you don't see either one, the formula is formulated without SLS/SLES.

All Raw Sugar products are proudly formulated without SLS/SLES. Shop shampoo formulated without SLS/SLES.

FAQs

What's the difference between SLS and SLES?

SLS is the simpler, more concentrated version of the two, and tends to be the more irritating of the pair with repeated use. SLES goes through an extra processing step that makes the molecule larger and gentler, though it's still a strong cleanser. Both do the same basic job, just with a different intensity.

Is sulfate-free shampoo better for colored hair?

Generally, yes. Formulas without SLS/SLES tend to be gentler and less likely to strip the color molecules that fade with each wash, which is why color-focused shampoos like The Color Renew Shampoo are formulated without SLS/SLES.

Does SLS/SLES-free shampoo lather less?

It can, since SLS and SLES are especially efficient at producing rich foam. Gentler alternative surfactants still clean effectively, they just don't always build the same thick lather, which is a texture difference, not a performance one.

What is sulfate-free shampoo?

Sulfate-free shampoo is shampoo formulated without SLS or SLES, the two most common sulfate-based cleansing agents. At Raw Sugar, we describe our formulas as formulated without SLS/SLES instead, since it's a more precise way to describe how we build them from the start.

How do I know if my shampoo is SLS/SLES-free?

Check the ingredient list. Ingredients are listed in order of concentration, so Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or Sodium Laureth Sulfate would appear near the top if either is present. If you don't see them listed, the formula is formulated without SLS/SLES. All Raw Sugar products are proudly formulated without SLS/SLES.

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