SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE. Detergent used as a moistener in floor cleaning products, found in engines and in Agent Orange (which served to kill vegetation and profoundly harmed human and animal life during, and long after the Vietnam War). SLS and SLES are used in laboratories as skin irritants in order to test soothing products. However, their low cost makes them present in the majority of shampoos and cosmetic foaming products. Several studies have underlined the harmful effects of their use: urinary infections, kidney and bladder infections, fertility problems, irritation to the eyes, skin and scalp, allergic reactions, lesions of the scalp and hair loss. Certain studies have asserted that SLS and SLES are carcinogenic.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. A surfactant ("soap") commonly used in many food and household products (toothpaste, shampoo, dish soap). SLS also has insecticidal activity. By removing the naturally occurring hydrocarbons (oils) from insects' exoskeleton ("skin"), it causes them to dehydrate (dry out) and die.