Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Also known as: SLS, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium monolauryl sulfate, sodium monododecyl sulfate
A powerful anionic surfactant derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, then chemically processed. SLS is one of the most widely used cleansing and foaming agents in personal care products. It is a known skin irritant that strips natural oils and disrupts the skin barrier.
By the numbers.
1 = low concern, 10 = avoid.
Risk by usage.
How risk shifts depending on how often you use products with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).
Minor irritation possible; skin recovers between uses.
Daily use leads to chronic barrier disruption, dryness, and increased sensitivity.
Compounding irritation from multiple SLS-containing products. Switch to gentler surfactants.
What the research says.
Potent skin irritant that strips the natural lipid barrier, causing dryness, redness, and flaking.
Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1983 — SLS irritation threshold study
Can cause canker sores and oral tissue irritation when used in toothpaste.
Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 1996 — SLS and recurrent aphthous ulcers
Enhances penetration of other chemicals through compromised skin barrier.
Global status.
How sodium lauryl sulfate (sls) is regulated in cosmetics around the world.
The reason brands include it.
Produces thick lather and effectively removes oil and dirt. Extremely inexpensive, which is why it appears in everything from shampoo to toothpaste.
0
products in our database
0
brands use it
2
product categories
Better alternatives exist. Brands choose sodium lauryl sulfate (sls) because it’s cheap and effective, but safer options like coco glucoside, decyl glucoside, sodium cocoyl isethionate deliver similar results without the health concerns.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in product types.
Click a category to see every product containing sodium lauryl sulfate (sls).
Get Your Free Ingredient Safety Report
Enter your email and we'll send you a personalized breakdown of the most common harmful ingredients in your daily products.
What to use instead.
What Numbrrrz uses instead
Numbrrrz avoids all sulfate surfactants. Our lip balms use Organic Coconut Oil and Organic Jojoba Oil — no harsh surfactants that strip the skin barrier.