Sodium lauryl sulfate in skincare
An anionic surfactant, often abbreviated to SLS.
What is Sodium lauryl sulfate?
An anionic surfactant, often abbreviated to SLS. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does Sodium lauryl sulfate do for skin and the product?
Loosens oil and dirt and produces foam.
Cleansing agents help water remove oil and dirt. Skin contact, dosage and rinsing affect the experience. A cleanser should be assessed as a whole, rather than on a single surfactant alone.
May irritate, especially with prolonged contact. Use in a rinse-off product differs from a product left on the skin.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about Sodium lauryl sulfate
What does Sodium lauryl sulfate do in skincare?
Loosens oil and dirt and produces foam.
What should I know about Sodium lauryl sulfate?
May irritate, especially with prolonged contact. Use in a rinse-off product differs from a product left on the skin.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations