Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sometimes written sodium laurilsulfate, is an organic compound with the formula CH₃₁₁OSO₃Na and structure H₃C−₁₁−O−S₂−O⁻Na⁺. It is an anionic surfactant used in many cleaning and hygiene products. This compound is the sodium salt of the 12-carbon organosulfate. Its hydrocarbon tail combined with a polar "headgroup" give the compound amphiphilic properties that make it useful as a detergent.
I experienced 18 months of disrupted sleep due to full body itching and hives. After exhaustively subtracting potential triggers from my life, I finally discovered that I'm extremely allergic to sodium lauryl sulfate. I replaced all of the hand soaps, dish soaps, and laundry soaps in my house... and all symptoms vanished within a few days. And since washing my hands with soap out of the house, results in my hands itching for days, I always carry hand sanitizer with me everywhere I go.