sodium lauryl sulfate

noun

sodium lau·​ryl sulfate -ˈlȯr-əl- 

-ˈlär-

: the crystalline sodium salt C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S of sulfated lauryl alcohol

also : a mixture of sulfates of sodium consisting principally of this salt and used as a detergent, wetting agent, and emulsifying agent (as in toothpastes, ointments, and shampoos)

Examples of sodium lauryl sulfate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ingredients Common ingredients in laundry detergent sheets, such as those on our list, include water, sodium lauryl sulfate, and polyvinyl alcohol. —Casey Clark, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Dec. 2024

Avoid ingredients like alcohol, camphor, glycolic acid, fragrances, lactic acid, menthol, sodium lauryl sulfate, or urea. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Sulfates, such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), can be harsh. —Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2024

The vegan formulas contain no sulfates, silicones, parabens, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), synthetic dyes, mineral oils and other potentially irritating ingredients, and the metallic honeycomb-like packaging is made from recycled materials. —Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sodium lauryl sulfate

noun

: the crystalline sodium salt C₁₂H₂₅NaO₄S of sulfated lauryl alcohol

also : a mixture of sulfates of sodium consisting principally of this salt and used as a detergent, wetting, and emulsifying agent (as in toothpastes, ointments, and shampoos)