Definition of sodium lauryl sulfate
: the crystalline sodium salt C12H25NaO4S of sulfated lauryl alcohol
also
: a mixture of sulfates of sodium consisting principally of this salt and used as a detergent, wetting agent, and emulsifying agent (as in toothpastes, ointments, and shampoos)
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of sodium lauryl sulfate was in 1885
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