Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient found in many cosmetics. It is a surfactant, which means it helps to create a lather and remove dirt and oil from the skin or hair. SLS is known for its cleansing properties and is often used in products like shampoos, body washes, and toothpaste.

Advantages :
Firstly, it acts as a surfactant, which means it helps to create a rich lather and effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin and hair. This makes it an excellent ingredient for cleansing products such as shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. Secondly, SLS has emulsifying properties, allowing it to mix oil and water-based ingredients together, resulting in stable and well-blended formulations. This makes it easier for other beneficial ingredients to penetrate the skin and provide their intended benefits.

Disadvantages:
SLS can be quite harsh on the skin, especially for those with sensitive skin. It has the potential to strip away the natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Additionally, SLS has been known to cause allergic reactions in some individuals, resulting in redness, itching, and even rashes. Another drawback of SLS is its potential to disrupt the natural balance of the skin's microbiome, which can lead to various skin issues.

Conclusion:
It is a compound that should be approached with caution. Studies have shown that SLS can cause skin irritation and dryness, especially in individuals with sensitive skin.


References:
https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/industry-priorities/policy/other-issues/sodium-lauryl-sulfate-sls#:~:text=What%20Is%20SLS%3F,remove%20oily%20stains%20and%20residues.
https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci-ingredients/sodium-lauryl-sulfate