If you’ve ever checked the label on your shampoo or shower gel and spotted Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sulphate (SLS) or Sodium Coco Sulfate/Sulphate (SCS), you might have wondered if they’re the same. They sound similar, and both are used to make products foam – but that’s where the similarity ends.
In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between these two ingredients, why we never use SLS in Green People products, and how our SLS-free shampoos and shower gels cleanse effectively while being kind to your skin barrier.
At a glance:
- Sodium Coco Sulfate is not the same as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a synthetic ingredient that can cause dryness and irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin
- Sodium Coco Sulfate is a natural, plant-based ingredient made from Coconut Oil. It’s also used for cleansing, but is gentler and less likely to cause irritation
- Our recommended SLS-free shampoo: Scent Free Shampoo
- Our recommended SLS-free shower gel: Scent Free Shower Gel
What’s the difference between Sodium Coco Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
While in theory, Sodium Coco Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate do the same job - making products foam and cleanse - they’re very different in how they interact with your skin.
Let’s take a look at why these two ingredients are different, and what makes Sodium Coco Sulfate more suitable for sensitive skin, and less likely to cause reactions.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a synthetic ingredient that’s commonly used in cleaning, hair care and beauty products as it’s great at cutting through grease and creating a lather. It produces a rich foam and it’s inexpensive, which is why it’s so widely used.
However, it has a very small molecular size, which means it can penetrate the outer layer of the skin and potentially reach the living cells beneath.
SLS is used as an ‘irritancy standard’ for testing other surfactants/foaming agents. This is because it is such a strong surfactant, it disrupts the skin barrier and causes measurable irritation (redness, dryness, stinging).
If a new surfactant causes less irritation than SLS under the same conditions, it’s considered milder. The damaging effect of SLS gets worse with frequent/prolonged use leading to cumulative irritation.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:
- Can strip away natural oils, leading to dryness
- Can cause irritation, redness or itching
- May not be suitable for those with sensitive skin, eczema or dermatitis
We never use sodium lauryl sulfate in Green People products because of these reasons, instead preferring to use alternatives that do the same job, without the irritation or dryness.
See all sodium lauryl sulfate-free shampoos now.
Sodium Coco Sulfate
Sodium Coco Sulfate is also used to cleanse and create lather in hair and beauty products. It’s made from the fatty acids of coconut oil and can be derived naturally as it’s a plant-based ingredient.
Unlike SLS, it has a blend of molecules with different chain lengths and the molecules are much larger than SLS. This means they’re too big to penetrate the skin, making them gentler and less likely to cause irritation.
Sodium Coco Sulfate:
- Cleanses skin without penetrating beyond the skin barrier
- Is less likely to cause irritation, redness or itching
- Can typically be used by those with sensitive skin, eczema or dermatitis
At Green People, we don’t use Sodium Coco-Sulfate on its own but combine several ingredients to create a gentle, balanced cleansing experience.
Sodium Coco Sulfate gives the shampoo cleansing strength, while Coco Glucoside and Cocamidopropyl Betaine reduce any irritation and improve mildness. Using the three ingredients in combination gives a rich, creamy foam without needing harsh Sulfates.
The synergy of these ingredients means less dryness and stripping, making it suitable for frequent use, and Cocamidopropyl Betaine adds slip and softness, making your hair feel smoother after rinsing.
Discover an ultra-gentle shampoo
Our gentlest shampoo to take care of a sensitive scalp, this unscented shampoo blends sustainably-sourced Seaweed Complex to hydrate and protect against irritation, Aloe Vera to naturally soothe and hydrate and SCS and Yucca to gently foam without causing problems for sensitive skin.
Free from fragrance, SLS or essential oils, it’s made to support healthy hair and a healthy scalp, while being suitable for all skin and hair types.
Discover an ultra-gentle shower gel
Our hypoallergenic Scent Free Shower Gel is made to cleanse and soothe while you shower, without dryness or irritation. It’s completely fragrance free, eczema-friendly and suitable for ultra-sensitive skin.
Plant based and organic, it’s packed with Polysaccharides, organic Aloe Vera and Prebiotics to rebalance and protect your skin barrier.
It’s also SLS free, with our blend of gentle foaming agents creating a rich lather that’s safe for sensitive skin.
Scent Free Shower Gel 200ml
A hypoallergenic shower gel for gently cleansing ultra-sensitive skin£18.50
Would you like help choosing ultra-gentle skin care and hair care for sensitive skin? Browse our scent-free products now or take our skin quiz or hair quiz to find your perfect match.
If you’d like to ask us a question, our friendly UK customer care team is happy to help and can be contacted on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
REVIEWED BY CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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