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surfactant

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Watch if sensitive·Strong evidence

A strong foaming cleanser. It can be drying or irritating for some people, especially in leave-on or high-concentration products. It is not a toxin, and it rinses away.

Worth knowing

  • Can irritate, especially left on

Gentler alternatives

Questions

Is SLS toxic or dangerous?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is not a toxin. It is a strong foaming cleanser that rinses away completely. However, it can be drying or irritating for some people, especially in leave-on products or at high concentrations, which is why patch-testing is advised for sensitive skin.
Is SLS banned in cosmetics?
No, SLS is not banned. It is a permitted cosmetic ingredient in the US, EU, and most other countries. It remains widely used in shampoos, body washes, and toothpastes despite concerns about irritation potential.
Should I avoid SLS if I have sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive or reactive skin, you may want to try products with milder alternatives like sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) first. SLS is not harmful, but it has a higher irritation potential for some people, so testing on a small area is prudent.

Products with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

In our guides

References

Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. A verdict is a reading of the published evidence, never a guarantee for your skin: any ingredient can irritate someone, so patch test new products and see a professional if you react. Concern is graded on cited evidence, never on hazard-score lists. See how we score.