At first glance, SLS and SLSa may look like near-identical ingredients. But their impact on your scalp, skin, and overall hair health couldn’t be more different.
In the world of haircare, these two surfactants are often misunderstood. And because the names sound so alike, it’s easy to assume they serve the same function or carry the same risks. But understanding the distinction is essential—particularly if you’re seeking gentle, effective, and skin-friendly formulations.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a synthetic surfactant commonly used in mass-produced shampoos, cleansers, body washes, and even toothpaste. It’s known for its ability to create a thick, foamy lather—and it’s very inexpensive to manufacture.
But here’s the catch: SLS is a small-molecule surfactant, which means it can easily penetrate the skin. For many people, this can result in dryness, irritation, or sensitivity—especially with regular use.
Because of its powerful degreasing properties, SLS is often used in cleaning products like dishwashing liquid. While effective at removing oils, it doesn’t discriminate between unwanted grease and your skin’s natural protective barrier.
Why is SLS still used?
In short: cost.
SLS is cheap, accessible, and creates the kind of foaming action many consumers associate with “clean.” But in reality, it can compromise the skin and scalp barrier—leading to dehydration and potential irritation over time.
SLSa (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate): A Far Gentler Alternative
Despite the similar name, SLSa (Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate) is a completely different ingredient—both in structure and performance.
SLSa is a large-molecule surfactant derived from natural coconut and palm oils. Its molecular size prevents it from penetrating the skin, making it far less likely to cause irritation. Instead, it works gently on the surface to lift away oils, dirt, and build-up—without stripping the skin of moisture.
You may also see it referred to as Lathanol (LAL Fine), particularly in professional formulation contexts.
Why We Choose SLSa at Laura Simmons
SLSa is a more expensive ingredient—trading at a significantly higher cost than SLS. But we believe that quality, integrity, and skin safety should never be compromised in the name of cost-cutting.
At Laura Simmons, we never use SLS.
Instead, we rely on plant-derived surfactants like SLSa that support scalp health, maintain the natural barrier, and provide a luxurious lather without irritation.
The Benefits of SLSa:
-
Derived from renewable plant sources
-
Mild and non-stripping
-
Ideal for sensitive skin and scalps
-
Rinses clean, leaving no residue
-
Supports long-term scalp comfort and balance
In Summary
| Ingredient | Origin | Skin Sensitivity | Molecular Size | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLS | Synthetic | Often irritating | Small (penetrates skin) | Mass-market shampoos, dish soap |
| SLSa | Plant-derived | Gentle on skin | Large (non-penetrating) | Natural, skin-friendly formulations |
When Reading Labels – Look Closely
Some manufacturers rely on consumer confusion around these acronyms. It’s not uncommon to see “sodium lauryl” and assume it's all the same. But one extra syllable—“sulfoacetate”—makes all the difference.
Reading your labels carefully allows you to make more informed choices, especially if you're trying to avoid potential irritants or support a sensitive scalp.
Final Thought
SLSa offers the cleansing power you expect, without compromising your scalp’s comfort or your skin’s integrity. And that’s precisely why we choose it—for every shampoo and cleansing product we create.
Your scalp deserves thoughtful care. Not shortcuts.