Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
(in 18,808 products)

Potential Risk Index®:

ISCE InhaleISCE SwallowISCE ContactISCE Environment
PRI Legend

About:

Functions:
1. Emulsifier - Allows water and oils to remain mixed together to form an emulsion.
2. Foaming Agent / Foam Booster - A type of surfactant that aids the formation of foam
3. Gelling Agent / Thickener - Increases the viscosity by thickening the liquid to give it more texture
4. Surfactant - Reduces the surface tension to allow mixtures to be formed evenly. Emulsifier is a specific type of surfactant which allows two liquids to mix together evenly
Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, also known as SDS or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is a synthetic ingredient that is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as a surfactant, emulsifier, and foaming agent.
In cosmetics and personal care products, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate helps to create a rich and luxurious lather, making it easier to apply products like shampoo, soap, and toothpaste. It also helps to remove dirt and oil from the skin and hair, leaving them feeling clean and refreshed. Recent studies have shown that Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate may have some negative effects on the skin, including irritation and dryness, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
While Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, some people may be sensitive to it and may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. It is important to patch-test products containing Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate before using them on a larger area of the skin.
Overall, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate is a commonly used ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products that can help to create a rich and luxurious lather. While it is generally considered safe, it may have some negative effects on the skin, particularly for those with sensitive skin.
SLS is sometimes also used as an emulsifier, labelled as an Unapproved E-number (E487).
Recent Findings:
- In a study conducted on 152 female volunteers all over 18 years of age, SDS shows clear signs of skin erythema (redness) at 0.5% concentrations.
- A study also investigated the relationship of erythema and SLS where the use of SLS-free toothpastes lowered tongue inflammation, though all 3 subjects previously had a history of oral pain.
- Another study claims that the use of SLS in dentifrice (paste or powder used to clean teeth) had no effect on dental plaque and gingivitis and that "Patient appreciation was in favour of the SLS groups especially regarding the foaming effect". Essentially, it is not necessary for SLS to be used, but it is favored because foamy dentrifrices are preferred over non-foamy dentrifrices.
Lastly, a study measured the effects of a 0.25% SLS patch test against the dryness of the skin via transepidermal water loss measurements (TEWL) on young adults and elderly females. They concluded that a "mild erythematous reaction" has been observed compared to controls and that the effects are most distinguished in the thigh region and least distinguished in the palm region for both groups.
Overall, there is sufficient evidence that SLS may have the potential to be an irritant, along with the potential to no longer be a necessary ingredient. The rating reflects the increased alertness our consumers should be aware of when purchasing products containing SLS.
Scientific References:
2. Clinical morphology of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and nonanoic acid (NAA) irritant patch test reactions at 48 h and 96 h in 152 subjects (Contact Dermatitis. 1998 Nov;39(5):240-3 doi:)
3. Inflammatory reaction of the anterior dorsal tongue presumably to sodium lauryl sulfate within toothpastes: a triple case report (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2018 Feb;125(2):e17-e21 doi:10.1016/j.oooo.2017.11.017)
4. The effectiveness of a dentifrice without sodium lauryl sulphate on dental plaque and gingivitis - a randomized controlled clinical trial (Int J Dent Hyg. 2017 Aug;15(3):203-210 doi:10.1111/idh.12201)
5. Cutaneous sodium lauryl sulphate irritation potential: age and regional variability (Br. J. Dermatol. 1990 Nov;123(5)p607-613 doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.1990.tb01477.x)
Regulatory References:
1. US FDA Food Additives Status List [2018]
- Sodium lauryl sulfate
2. E-numbers which are not found in EU FOOD
- "E487"
3. Canada List of Permitted Food Additives
- List 8 - Sodium Lauryl Sulphate

Safety and Hazards (UN GHS):

1. Harmful if swallowed (H302)
2. May be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (H304)
3. Fatal in contact with skin (H310)
4. Toxic in contact with skin (H311)
5. Causes skin irritation (H315)
6. Causes serious eye damage (H318)
7. Causes serious eye irritation (H319)
8. Harmful if inhaled (H332)
9. May cause respiratory irritation (H335)
10. Causes damage to organs (H370)
11. May cause damage to organs (H371)
12. Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure (H373)
13. Very toxic to aquatic life (H400)
14. Toxic to aquatic life (H401)
15. Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H411)
16. Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H412)

Potential Health Concerns For:

1. Acantholysis (PubMed ID:17763283)
2. Adenocarcinoma (PubMed ID:7184391)
3. Dermatitis, Contact (PubMed ID:20358390)
4. Dermatitis, Irritant (PubMed ID:22381623)
5. Edema (PubMed ID:8006454)
6. Erythema (PubMed ID:8281780)
7. Eye Injuries (PubMed ID:33358762)
8. Hyperalgesia (PubMed ID:20358390)
9. Hyperplasia (PubMed ID:17763283)
10. Inflammation (PubMed ID:20358390)
11. Necrosis (PubMed ID:17763283)

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