Surfactant ingredient
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
INCI: SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS / sodium dodecyl sulfate) is a C12 anionic surfactant and one of the most potent cleansing agents in cosmetics. It efficiently emulsifies sebum and particulates, producing abundant foam. However, its barrier-disruptive effect — removing lamellar lipids from the stratum corneum — makes it a known skin irritant and sensitizer. It is common in rinse-off cleansers at concentrations where contact time limits irritation, and is the benchmark irritant used in controlled dermatological patch testing.
Also known as: SLS, sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS
cleansingsurfactantemulsifyingfoaming
Benefits
- ✓Highly effective anionic surfactant that removes oil, dirt, and makeup — the gold-standard cleansing agent in rinse-off products
- ✓Creates abundant foam, which many users associate with thorough cleansing in facial washes and powder washes
Watch for
- ⚠Potent skin irritant at typical use concentrations in leave-on products; disrupts the skin barrier by solubilizing intercellular lipids
- ⚠Can trigger flares in eczema, rosacea, and sensitive skin — many dermatologists recommend SLS-free cleansers for these conditions
- ⚠Not appropriate for leave-on formulations at any practical concentration; concerns are less significant in very brief-contact rinse-off products
Compatibility
✓ Works well with
+ Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate+ Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
