Utah Master Esthetician Practice Exam

What type of products typically contain laurel sulfate aluminum?

1. Moisturizers

2. Cleansers

3. Sunscreens

4. Toners

The correct answer is: Cleansers

Products that typically contain laurel sulfate aluminum are cleansers. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which may sometimes be referred to in a similar manner (as laurel sulfate), is a common surfactant found in many cleansing products. It is primarily utilized for its ability to create lather and effectively remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. Cleansers are formulated to prepare the skin for other skincare products, and surfactants like SLS are key ingredients that help in cleansing by breaking up oil and debris. These surfactants can be effective, but they also have the potential to be irritating for some skin types, which is an important consideration for estheticians when recommending products to clients. While moisturizers, sunscreens, and toners may contain various active ingredients tailored to their purposes, they do not typically include laurel sulfate aluminum as a primary ingredient since that would be counterproductive to their intended use. Moisturizers aim to hydrate and nourish the skin, sunscreens focus on UV protection, and toners help to balance the skin's pH and remove residual impurities—none of which require a surfactant like lauryl sulfate.