Have you ever noticed how almost every brand of washing product is a combination of Water and Sodium Laureth Sulphate or Ammonium Laureth Sulphate?  These are used as they are the least expensive and easy to manufacture. Just add water and some salt to thicken, and that is almost all that is really needed.

Although fine for some people, Laureth Sulphates are not the best cleansers for sensitive or dry skin as they remove too much oil and are more irritating.