Noun: sodium lauryl sulfate
- A caustic detergent useful for removing grease; although commonly included in personal care items (shampoos and toothpastes etc.) it can irritate skin and should not be swallowed
"The shampoo contained sodium lauryl sulfate as its main cleansing agent";
- sodium lauryl sulphate, SLS
Derived forms: sodium lauryl sulfates
Type of: detergent, sulfate [N. Amer], sulphate [Brit, Cdn]
Encyclopedia: Sodium lauryl sulfate