Ingredients

A sulfate cleanser as strong as SLS. Can dry and irritate.

A mild sugar-based cleanser that also helps dissolve oils into water. Gentle, though glucosides are an occasional cause of contact allergy.

A foam booster made from coconut fatty acids and diethanolamine. It can carry traces of DEA, and it's listed as possibly carcinogenic (IARC group 2B). Common in shampoos.

Also written Cocamide Diethanolamine, Coconut Oil Diethanolamine Condensate

A mild cleanser usually paired with sulfates to soften them. Rarely, impurities in it cause allergy.

A mild sugar-based cleanser made from coconut. Gentle, though glucosides are an occasional cause of contact allergy.

A mild sugar-based cleanser. Gentle, though glucosides are an occasional cause of contact allergy.

A mild cleansing agent used in gentle washes.

A mild sugar-based cleanser. Gentle, though glucosides are an occasional cause of contact allergy.

A gentle, creamy cleanser used in syndet bars and mild washes.

A milder relative of SLS and the backbone of most shampoos and body washes. Can dry very sensitive skin.

Also written SLES, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate

A strong, foamy cleanser. Effective but stripping — a common cause of irritation and dryness, especially in leave-on or face products. Used as an irritant in skin testing.

Also written SLS