Snapshot
- Overview
- A classic sulfate cleanser that can feel stripping on sensitive skin.
- Category
- Cleansing
- Type
- Surfactant
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a high-foaming anionic surfactant widely used in personal care and household cleansing products. Chosen for strong detergency, rapid wetting, and copious lather, it appears in shampoos, body washes, and toothpastes.
Like this ingredient?
Our take
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate a Good Ingredient?
It's a powerful cleanser with abundant lather, but it rates Fair due to a well-known tendency to cause dryness and irritation, especially with frequent use or sensitive skin. It's best reserved for brief, rinse-off contact within balanced systems rather than daily leave-on-adjacent use.
What it does
Skin Benefits
It removes heavy oils and buildup efficiently for a squeaky-clean feel, though it can feel stripping and may provoke irritation on sensitive or over-washed skin.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
It's used in high-foam shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and toothpastes where strong detergency is desired, and is often combined with milder surfactants in rinse-off formats to temper harshness.
Before you use it
Safety
It has notable irritation potential, including dryness and stinging, particularly for sensitive or compromised skin and eyes. It's acceptable in rinse-off products at typical levels; minimize contact time and discontinue if irritation occurs.
Products with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
