Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSa) is an anionic surfactant used primarily for cleansing and foaming in personal care. Chemically, it is the sodium salt of lauryl sulfoacetic acid (sodium 2-(dodecyloxy)-2-oxoethane-1-sulfonate), a structure that makes it sulfate-free (sulfoacetate, not sulfate) and highly water-soluble. In skincare cleansers and syndet bars, SLSa supplies rapid, dense lather, wets the skin surface, and disperses soils and oils — attributes that improve rinseability and aesthetic feel without heavy occlusion. Authoritative cosmetic references list its core functions as foaming, wetting/dispersing, and surfactant — cleansing, which together stabilize product performance across gels, milks, and solid formats.

In haircare, SLSa serves as a primary or secondary cleanser in shampoos and scalp washes where a mild anionic is desired for rich foam and effective removal of sebum, styling polymers, and particulate buildup. Supplier and industry materials position SLSa for bubble baths, shampoos, and cleansing creams, reflecting broad formulation compatibility (including with amphoteric co-surfactants) and strong foam quality. Unlike sulfate esters such as SLS/SLES, SLSa’s sulfoacetate chemistry still delivers the high-foaming experience consumers expect while offering a favorable sensory profile in rinse-off systems. The Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Expert Panel (formerly CIR) has reaffirmed that SLSa is safe as used in cosmetics based on current product types and concentrations.