Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products. It helps stabilize and thicken solutions with ingredients of differing solubility, allowing for easier and smoother application. SLS also possesses the capacity to alter the surface tension of the skin, making it more permeable and allowing for better absorption of skin-enhancing molecules. However, it is important to note that SLS can cause skin discomfort and dryness, especially when used in high concentrations or left on the skin for too long. Therefore, it is recommended to use SLS in conjunction with ceramides, which help replenish and address skin dryness and barrier disruption.
1. Emulsification: Helps stabilize and thicken solutions with ingredients of differing solubility, resulting in a more uniform texture for easier application. 2. Permeability Enhancement: Alters the surface tension of the skin, making it more permeable and allowing for better absorption of skin-enhancing molecules.
Not suitable for sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis.
1. Skin Discomfort: Can cause irritation, dryness, and altered skin barrier function, especially when used in high concentrations or left on the skin for too long. 2. Water Loss: May lead to water loss from the skin, contributing to dryness.
1. Use in low concentrations (less than 1% in personal care products). 2. Avoid contact with eyes. 3. Rinse off thoroughly after use. 4. Use sparingly and only on areas that require deep cleaning, such as armpits, groin, and feet. 5. Avoid using on the face, as it may be too harsh. 6. Follow up with a moisturizer to replenish skin's natural oils.
Derived from coconut oil, palm kernel oil, or petroleum oil.
Safe in formulations used in cosmetics and personal care products when used in low concentrations.
Not rated
1. SLS is more irritating than Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES). 2. SLS can be an irritant rather than an allergen. 3. It is important to use SLS-containing products correctly to avoid irritation. 4. SLS is safe for use in household cleaning products at concentrations of 1% or less. 5. SLS is also used as a food additive, usually as an emulsifier or a thickener. 6. SLS is known to cause irritation and is used as a positive control in dermatological testing. 7. People with sensitive skin, hyperirritable skin, and skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis should avoid SLS. 8. Safer alternatives include fatty alcohol ethoxylate, alkyl phenol ethoxylate, or fatty acid alkoxylate. 9. SLS can irritate the skin, especially when used in high concentrations or left on the skin for too long. 10. SLS can also cause eye irritation, so it is important to avoid contact with the eyes. 11. SLS is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and personal care products, but it is important to use it correctly to avoid irritation. 12. SLS can disrupt the skin barrier and alter the expression of certain proteins involved in skin repair and barrier function. 13. Coupling SLS with ceramides in skin treatments helps replenish and address skin dryness and barrier disruption. 14. SLS is one of the most sensitizing cleansing agents used in skincare products. 15. In amounts of 2% to 5%, sodium lauryl sulfate can cause sensitizing reactions for many people.