In cosmetics, sodium lauryl sulfate is most often used as an emulsifier or surfactant. As an emulsifier, sodium lauryl sulfate helps to stabilize and thicken solutions with ingredients of differing solubility. This allows products to achieve a more uniform texture for easier, and smoother application. Furthermore, the effect of sodium lauryl sulfate on surface tension is applicable to not only product formulations but also skin composition. It possesses great capacity for altering the surface tension of the stratum corneum. Consequently, topical application of sodium lauryl sulfate solutions can make the skin more permeable, thus allowing for better absorption of skin-enhancing molecules with less than ideal polarity and size. Additional applications of sodium lauryl sulfate include functioning as an effective cleansing agent (e.g. soaps and body wash)