Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant used for cleansing, but can cause skin and eye irritation, particularly in sensitive individuals.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a synthetic anionic surfactant widely utilized in personal care and cleaning products due to its potent cleansing and foaming capabilities. It is produced by sulfating lauryl alcohol and neutralizing the resultant product with a sodium base. While effective at removing oils and debris, SLS can disrupt the skin's natural barrier, potentially leading to irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions, especially in sensitive individuals or with prolonged exposure. Formulations containing SLS often incorporate mitigating ingredients to lessen these adverse effects. SLS is not intended for ingestion and its inclusion in consumable supplements would be inappropriate.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
Not applicable - SLS is not typically ingested as a supplement. Its concentration in personal care products varies widely (e.g., 0.01% to 50%).
Source Type
synthetic
Production Process
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is produced by sulfating lauryl alcohol, which is derived from either coconut oil or palm kernel oil. The sulfated product is then neutralized with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Cleansing effectively removes dirt and oil from skin and hair due to surfactant properties, preventing clogged pores and maintaining hygiene. It leads to cleaner, healthier-looking skin and hair.
Foaming agents create lather in cleansing products, enhancing user experience and perceived effectiveness. This improves product spreadability and contributes to a feeling of cleanliness, although the foam itself is not directly cleaning.
Possible Side Effects
Skin irritation involves symptoms like redness, itching, and rashes due to contact with irritants, allergens, or environmental factors. Severity varies based on the cause, individual sensitivity, and affected area; persistent cases may lead to secondary infections.
Dryness refers to a reduction in moisture content in tissues or organs, leading to symptoms like dry skin, mouth, or eyes. It can be caused by various factors, including environmental conditions, medical conditions, or medications.
Eye irritation presents with various symptoms like redness, itching, and blurred vision due to factors like irritants, infections, or medication side effects. Persistent symptoms warrant medical evaluation.
Contact dermatitis is a skin inflammation triggered by direct contact with irritants or allergens, leading to redness, itching, and potential blistering. Prolonged exposure can worsen the condition.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies demonstrate the irritant potential of SLS, including: * Willis CM, Shaw S, de Lacharrière O, Baverel M, Reiche L. Sensitive skin: an overview. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2001;15(6):523-32. * Basketter DA, Willis CM, Clark C, Evans P, Griffiths HA, McFadden J, Kimber I. Human maximization studies with sodium lauryl sulfate. Contact Dermatitis. 2004;50(4):224-8. * Löffler H, Kampf G. How frequent is hand disinfection necessary? Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2008;21(6):299-309.
User Reviews
Share your experience with this ingredient
Log in to write a reviewNo reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!