Can be derived from coconut; it is used primarily as a detergent cleansing agent. It is considered gentle and effective as typically used to formulate cosmetic products (most typically facial or body cleansers and shampoos). Despite the name similarity, sodium laureth sulfate is NOT the same as sodium lauryl sulfate. It is a milder cleansing agent due to a higher amount and different chemical structure of the fatty alcohols that required to manufacture this cleansing agent. The safety of sodium laureth sulfate has been reviewed by numerous industry experts and deemed safe as used (Sources: International Journal of Toxicology, Supplement, July 2010, pages 151S-161S; and Food and Chemical Toxicology, March 2001, pages 279-286).