Are Sulfates Good or Bad For Your Skin? The Honest Truth

There’s a sensation many of us were taught to associate with “clean”: that tight, stretched, squeaky feeling after washing your face — so intense you might immediately reach for moisturizer just to feel comfortable again.

But what if that wasn’t a sign of purity, but rather a clue that your cleanser is working a little too hard? In many cases, the culprit is sulfates — common foaming agents known for creating that ultra-clean feel.

In this guide, we’ll unpack how sulfates interact with your skin’s surface and share how to achieve a clean that feels comfortable, balanced, and nourished — no tightness required.

First, What Exactly Are Sulfates?

Before we dive deeper, let’s get clear on what sulfates actually are. You’ve likely seen their names on ingredient lists — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) being the most common.

In simple terms, sulfates are powerful surfactants, or detergents. Think of them as the heavy-duty dish soap you’d use to cut through grease on a dirty pan. Their main role is to create that rich, bubbly lather that lifts away oil and buildup so it can rinse cleanly with water.

Their popularity in cosmetics skyrocketed because they’re inexpensive, reliable, and deliver exactly what many of us have been conditioned to expect from a “good” cleanser — lots of foam. That satisfying lather became a powerful sensory cue for “clean,” even if what’s actually happening beneath the surface tells a slightly different story.

So while sulfates excel at creating that foamy, fresh feel, the real question is whether that kind of cleansing is what your skin truly needs.

The Real Issue: How Sulfates Affect Your Skin Barrier

The concern with sulfates isn’t that they don’t work — it’s that they can work a little too well. Their strength can sometimes feel harsh on the skin’s natural balance, and that level of cleansing doesn’t always align with the comfort and gentleness most complexions prefer.

This is why some cleansers can leave skin feeling tight or uncomfortable, rather than soft and refreshed.

They Strip Your Skin’s Natural Oils

Your skin has a delicate surface layer called the acid mantle, made up of natural oils (sebum) and lipids that help it look and feel smooth, hydrated, and balanced. Sulfates are such effective detergents that they cannot distinguish between unwanted grime and the nourishing lipids that support this surface balance. As a result, they can wash away what your skin needs to feel soft and comfortable, often leaving it dry or tight after cleansing.

Why That “Squeaky Clean” Feeling is a Red Flag

This brings us back to that so-called “squeaky clean” sensation — a common misconception many of us were taught to associate with freshness. That tight, stretched feeling is often a sign that your cleanser may be a bit too strong, removing not just buildup but also your skin’s natural surface oils.

Skin that feels its best after cleansing should be soft, supple, and comfortably refreshed — ready for the next steps in your ritual, not reaching for hydration right away.

The Vicious Cycle for Oily & Combination Skin

For those with oily or combination skin, this is where a frustrating cycle often begins. When skin is stripped of its natural oils, it can end up feeling dry and unbalanced — which may, in turn, look even shinier than before.

It’s an easy pattern to fall into: you reach for a foaming cleanser to eliminate excess buildup, but the result is skin that feels tight, uncomfortable, and out of rhythm. Before long, it can appear shinier and less clear, even though you’re doing your best to care for it.

A Gentler Way to Cleanse: What to Use Instead

Thankfully, there’s a more thoughtful, skin-honoring approach to cleansing. It’s not about avoiding the process altogether, but about choosing formulas that work in harmony with your skin’s natural balance.

The key is using gentle, plant-derived surfactants that clean effectively without leaving your complexion feeling stripped or dry. Our approach is twofold: First, we use a beautifully effective cleansing agent derived from the saponified oils of coconut and plant sugars. Called Sodium Lauryl Glucose Carboxylate, it’s known for lifting away impurities while leaving skin soft and comfortable.

We also replace plain water with pure, herb-infused organic aloe vera juice as the base of our formulas. This means that as you wash, your skin feels refreshed, hydrated, and beautifully cared for.

Whether you gravitate toward the gentle calm of our Aloe Herb Facial Cleanser, the invigorating touch of Citrus Mint, or the creamy nourishment of our Phytonutrient Cleanser, each offers a ritual that transforms cleansing into a moment of care and comfort. For those who love a deeper cleanse, our Restorative Cleansing Oil can be used on its own or as the first step in a double-cleansing routine.

Discover the cleanser from our Facial Cleansers Collection that best complements your ritual and skin type.

Your Path to a Healthier Cleanse

The honest truth is that for maintaining your skin’s long-term comfort and appearance, sulfates are generally not your friend. While they create a satisfying foam, they can sometimes disrupt your skin’s equilibrium, leaving it feeling dry or uncomfortable.

We invite you to move beyond the “squeaky clean” feeling and embrace a gentler, more intuitive way to cleanse. By choosing a ritual that nurtures your skin’s natural harmony, you’re not just washing your face — you’re creating the foundation for skin that looks radiant, soft, and beautifully cared for.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if my cleanser contains sulfates?

The easiest way is to check the ingredients list. Look for the names “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate” (SLS) and “Sodium Laureth Sulfate” (SLES). If they appear, especially high up on the list, your cleanser contains sulfates.

Are sulfates and sulfites the same thing?

No, they are chemically different and serve different functions. Sulfates are powerful cleansing agents (detergents) used in cosmetics and cleaning products. Sulfites are preservatives that are often found in food and wine to prevent spoilage.

Is it okay to use a sulfate shampoo if it runs down my face?

If you have very sensitive or reactive skin, even the runoff from a sulfate-based shampoo could potentially cause dryness or irritation on your face, along your hairline, and on your back. For a completely gentle routine from head to toe, you might consider switching to a sulfate-free shampoo like our Sweet Sunrise Shampoo as well.