Sodium lauryl ether sulfate, abbreviated as SLES and also known by the trade name Texapon, is a very common anionic surfactant that is used in a wide range of hygiene products and detergents due to its strong foaming, cleansing, and emulsifying properties.

SLES helps to remove grease and dirt from surfaces by reducing the surface tension between water and oil (or fat). In other words, the hydrophobic part of the SLES molecule sticks to grease and dirt, and its hydrophilic part binds to water, so that the dirt is easily washed away with water. SLES also creates a stable and desirable foam in products.

Sodium lauryl ether sulfate uses

Shampoos: as a main cleansing and foaming ingredient
Liquid soaps: for foaming and cleansing
Bath and body wash gels: for foaming and cleansing
Toothpastes: as a foaming agent
Household cleaning products: such as dishwashing liquid and surface cleaners
Personal care products: such as shaving foam