What is sodium laureth sulfate?

You've probably been spending way too much time in the bathtub if you're reading shampoo labels.

Sodium laureth sulfate is what puts the bubble in your shampoo. It’s a cheap foaming agent used in a wide variety of products including laundry detergent, bubble bath and hand soap.

Sodium laureth sulfate is a both a detergent and a surfactant. It’s a less harsh form of Sodium dodecyl sulfate (a.k.a. sodium lauryl sulfate). Still, studies have shown it can be irritating to the skin and eyes.