Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sulfate Surfactant

Benefits

Cleansing

What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant produced by reacting lauryl alcohol, typically derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, with sulfuric acid and neutralizing with sodium hydroxide. It appears as a white powder soluble in water. In cosmetics, it serves primarily in rinse-off formulations such as shampoos, bubble baths, toothpastes, and facial cleansers. Functionally, SLS lowers surface tension between water, oils, and dirt, forming micelles that trap and remove impurities while generating rich foam for better product spreadability. It also stabilizes emulsions by creating a barrier at oil-water interfaces, aiding in consistent textures for cleansers and light lotions. Due to its strong detergent action, concentrations are kept lower in leave-on products to minimize potential disruption to the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores

EWG Safety Rating 1-2 View on EWG →

PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Denaturant

Makes ethanol undrinkable (for regulatory/tax purposes) and can influence dry-down and sensory feel in alcohol-based sprays, toners, and fragrances.

Surfactant

Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.

Cleansing agent

Removes dirt, oil, and impurities by lowering surface tension and forming micelles, enabling soils to be lifted and rinsed away from skin, hair, or teeth.

Emulsifying agent

Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Foaming

Generates foam during use to help distribute the product and lift soils; typically delivered by surfactants that create stable bubbles under agitation.

Benefits

Provides thorough cleansing by effectively removing dirt, oil, and makeup.

Creates abundant foam for a satisfying lather and even product distribution.

Supports emulsification for stable, smooth-textured rinse-off formulas.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit	Who Should Avoid
Individuals with oily skin seeking strong oil removal.	Those with dry skin, as it can strip natural oils.
Users preferring foamy shampoos or body washes.	People with sensitive skin prone to irritation.
People with normal skin types using rinse-off cleansers.	Individuals experiencing eczema or barrier-compromised skin.

Safety Notes

Regulators like CIR deem it safe in rinse-off products at typical use levels.
May cause irritation at higher concentrations; patch testing advised for sensitive users.

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate natural?

It can derive from natural sources like coconut oil but undergoes chemical processing to form a synthetic surfactant.

Does SLS clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, indicating low likelihood of pore-clogging.

Can SLS be used on sensitive skin?

It may irritate sensitive skin; milder surfactants are often recommended instead.