Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a foaming cleanser. It can irritate skin, depending on the concentration and how long it stays on the skin.
What it is
SLS appears in shampoos, shower gels, soaps and toothpaste. On labels it appears as sodium lauryl sulfate.
How IngrediScan rates it
These levels come from the fixed rules in the IngrediScan app. A low level means the rules found little or no concern for that profile. It does not mean the ingredient is safe for everyone.
| Profile | Skin (cosmetics) |
|---|---|
| Adult | Medium |
| Child | Medium |
| Infant | Medium |
| Dog | No concern found |
| Cat | No concern found |
SLS is a strong surfactant, and irritation depends on the dose, so the app flags skin use. It is stricter here than for milder cleansers.
Basis of the ratings: published studies.
Possible concerns: Irritant.
The app's rationale (exact text)
- Adult (skin), Child (skin), Infant (skin): Strong anionic surfactant: dose-dependent irritation, stricter than SLES; Medium.
Rules and use
SLS is a permitted cosmetic ingredient in the EU. Rinse-off products keep the contact time short.
Read the guide: How to read an ingredient label
Sources
Related ingredients
The assessment is for information only. It does not replace the manufacturer's label or advice from a doctor or vet. Text recognition (OCR) can miss part of a label. No result does not mean the product is safe.