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CarCareTruthProducts · Ranked

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

  • Anionic surfactants
  • CAS 9004-82-4
  • IUPAC: Sodium lauryl ether sulfate

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) (CAS 9004-82-4) appears in 15 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026). It is readily biodegradable.

Mild skin/eye irritant at high concentrations. Not a carcinogen despite internet myths. The ethoxylated version (SLES) is gentler than the non-ethoxylated SLS.

The most common surfactant in car shampoos, body washes, and household cleaners. SLES is an anionic surfactant that creates dense foam and effectively lifts grease and particulate from surfaces.

In car care, it's the backbone of virtually every car shampoo formula. At typical use dilutions (0.5-2%), it's well below irritation thresholds. Readily biodegradable in wastewater treatment systems.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
4/5
Purpose: Primary foaming/cleaning surfactant

Common questions about Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) used for in car care?
Primary foaming/cleaning surfactant
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) a VOC?
No. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) biodegradable?
Yes. Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) has a confirmed biodegradable profile.

15 products contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.