Utah Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is most commonly found in which type of product?

1. Cleansers

2. Moisturizers

3. Sunscreens

4. Serums

The correct answer is: Cleansers

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant and cleansing agent that plays a crucial role in creating lather and helping to remove dirt and oil from various surfaces, including skin and hair. It is most commonly found in cleansers because its primary function is to emulsify and wash away impurities, making it ideal for products like shampoos, body washes, and facial cleansers. Cleansers need strong surfactants to effectively break down oils and create foam, which is essential for thorough cleaning. While it's also possible to find SLS in other types of personal care products, such as some soaps and bubble baths, its presence is most associated with cleansers, which focus on providing a deep clean. In contrast, moisturizers, sunscreens, and serums typically focus on hydrating, protecting, or providing active ingredients for the skin, and therefore do not commonly use SLS, as it can be too harsh and drying for these types of formulations.