Very Disliked
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sulfate
Sulfates are used in skincare for their strong cleansing and foaming abilities, helping to remove dirt, oil, and buildup from the skin.
Can worsen Dry Skin
Some ingredients have the potential to dry out skin, especially in higher concentrations or for those with already dry or sensitive skin. Not everyone will experience dryness from them. How your skin reacts can depend on the product, concentration, and your unique skin type.
Can worsen Oily Skin
These ingredients are known to potentially contribute to excess oil or shine, but they don’t affect everyone the same way. Skin can be oily for many reasons, so it’s always a good idea to consider your unique skin needs when choosing products.
May cause Irritation
These ingredients are considered potential irritants, meaning they can cause irritation - but not necessarily for everyone. Everyone’s skin is different, so what bothers one person’s skin may be completely fine for someone else.
Explained
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a sulfate with surfactant properties.
The surfactant property make it a great foam creator and cleansing agent. Surfactants help bind ingredients that normally do not mix.
Some studies have shown skin irritation due to prolonged SLS use.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is a milder version of SLS.
See all 498 products with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
What it does
Cleansing
To free from dirt, contamination, or impurities
Emulsifying
The act of emulsion: a suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix
Foaming
To produce or issue as foam; froth.
Alternative names
Sls
Prevalence
Less common
Percentage of products that contain it
0.6%
Top categories
Cleansers
Treatments
Masks
Position
Predominant list placement
Top 25%
Concentration
Concentrations we've seen
1%
References
Products with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
CosIng Data
CosIng ID
37946
INCI Name
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
INN Name
sodium lauryl sulfate
EC #
 205-788-1
Ph. Eur. Name
natrii laurilsulfas
All Functions
Cleansing, Denaturant, Emulsifying, Foaming, Surfactant
