Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are commonly found in many soaps, shampoos, and even in most toothpastes. SLS and SLES are known as "surfactants." Surfactants are harsh detergents and are what cause these products to lather and foam. It's a feeling that we expect from our soap products, it's what we have come to associate with "clean." The truth is, soap doesn't naturally foam, and it doesn't have to foam or lather to be an effective cleanser.
SLS and SLES are the same ingredients found in engine degreasers. They are extremely harsh and in fact the Cosmetic Ingredient Review found strong evidence that SLS is an irritant to humans in amounts over 2% concentration. Many products on the market have 20% or even 30% concentrations of SLS. SLS and SLES breakdown and remove the natural oils on your skin, stripping it of moisture.
SLS is tricky because it is derived from coconuts, so that's about as natural as it gets. The question really is - is it harmful? And it may not be to you if you don't have sensitive skin! There are some people and organizations who believe SLS and its cousins are very dangerous, cancer causing dangerous. I'm not quite convinced of that. However, when you hear a rumor about an ingredient and its potential hazards, I urge you to do research at responsible websites and organizations (non-profits, universities, government resources) and look at articles from academic journals.
Resources
Cosmetic Ingredient Review - http://www.cir-safety.org/info.shtml
American College of Toxicology article on SLS - http://www.healthy-communications.com/slsalert.html
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