Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a strong foaming cleanser used in shampoos, body washes and toothpaste.
- Used in
- Cosmetic ingredient (INCI)
- Role
- Surfactant
Also listed as
Contains / relevant to
- Sulfate cleansers: Relevant to people avoiding sulfate cleansers. SLS, SLES and related anionic surfactants.
- Eczema / atopic dermatitis: Ingredients frequently reported as irritating to a compromised barrier.
- Rosacea: Ingredients frequently reported as triggering flushing or stinging.
- Psoriasis: Ingredients frequently reported as stinging on plaques.
- Dry: Ingredients that can add to a stripped feeling.
- Sensitive: Ingredients with a higher reported sting rate.
What to look for on labels
- Cosmetic ingredient lists use INCI names, in descending order of concentration down to 1 %; ingredients below 1 % can follow in any order.
Related
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is a foaming cleanser, milder than SLS, used in shampoos and body washes.
- Ammonium lauryl sulfateAmmonium lauryl sulfate is a sulfate cleanser and foaming agent used in shampoos.
- Cocamidopropyl betaineCocamidopropyl betaine is a mild co-cleanser made from coconut oil, used to boost foam in shampoos and washes.
- How to read cosmetic INCI lists for sensitive skinGuide
Sources
Used as a standard irritant control in patch testing because of its reliable irritancy.
- Patch-test methodology literature
- IngrediLens ingredient database (names, flags and notes shown on this page)
Label information, not medical advice. This page describes how an ingredient is named and labelled and how IngrediLens flags it; it cannot tell you whether a product is safe for you. Always read the label on the product itself and follow the advice of your doctor, allergist or dermatologist. If someone shows signs of anaphylaxis, use their adrenaline auto-injector if they have one and call emergency services.
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