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I must admit, most of the time, if the FDA approves an ingredient, I am reassured after reading studies and expert opinions that it is fine. However, I was recently surprised to find that sodium lauryl sulfate, a very common detergent added to cleansers largely for the bubbling effect, is in fact a known skin irritant. According to Dr. Leslie Baumann’s Cosmetic Dermatology text, “[Sodium lauryl sulfate] is such a consistent irritator for skin with an impaired barrier that it is actually used in ‘challenge patch tests’ to evaluate the barrier function of skin…it strips the natural lipids from the skin, disrupting the barrier and rendering it more susceptible to external irritants.” In The DERMADoctor Skinstruction Manual, dermatologist Dr. Audrey Kunin further advises that sodium lauryl sulfate has been additionally blamed on “chapped lips and perioral dermatitis, a rash around the mouth.” For this reason, Kunin advises those with skin irritation around the mouth to use a toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate, like Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste ($8.00, Amazon.com).
In addition, sodium lauryl sulfate can also be damaging to the hair, as reiterated in this 1999 study amongst hairdressers. For this reason, shampoos not containing sodium lauryl sulfate or similar irritants are advised, like Phillip Kingsley Moisture Balancing Shampoo and Conditioner ($18.50 each, Amazon.com). After trying this sodium lauryl sulfate-free shampoo, my hair felt very clean and looked shiny, although it was more smooth and sleek than voluminous. If smooth and sleek is what you seek (haha), then this may be a good sodium lauryl sulfate-free formulation for you. (P.S.- Although this shampoo and conditioner do contain some other potential irritants, they appear to be lower than the concentrations listed below for potential irritation.)
According to the journal Contact Dermatitis, the following ingredients were said to display “similar” signs of irritation to 2% sodium lauryl sulfate:
- 5% sodium C12-15 pareth sulfate
- 5% sodium cocoyl isethionate
- 10% disodium laureth sulfosuccinate
- 10% sodium cocoamphoacetate
- 10% cocamide DEA
- 10% cocamidopropyl betaine
- 10% lauryl glucoside
For this reason, if you have sensitive skin or have noticed irritation from a skin care product recently, try an alternative without sodium lauryl sulfate or any of the above listed alternatives. Hopefully it will be the solution! 
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[...] though: those with sensitive skin may not appreciate the cleanser’s high concentration of sodium lauryl sulfate, despite even the inclusion of skin care greats like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin [...]
[...] though: those with sensitive skin may not appreciate the cleanser’s high concentration of sodium lauryl sulfate, despite even the inclusion of skin care greats like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and vitamin [...]
[...] free of chemical preservatives. From my reading, while I acknowledge that some ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate, are known to cause skin irritation in many patients, other ingredients, like parabens, have only been found to raise health concerns in the majority of [...]
[...] free of chemical preservatives. From my reading, while I acknowledge that some ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate, are known to cause skin irritation in many patients, other ingredients, like parabens, have only been found to raise health concerns in the majority of [...]
I’m using Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and it has sodium lauryl sulphate. It seems this cleanser is not so gentle for me after all.
[...] Ribbons is the product’s inclusion of sulfates, particularly sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a known skin irritant. In fact, sodium lauryl sulfate is sometimes used in laboratory tests to induce symptoms of [...]
[...] Ribbons is the product’s inclusion of sulfates, particularly sodium lauryl sulfate, which is a known skin irritant. In fact, sodium lauryl sulfate is sometimes used in laboratory tests to induce symptoms of [...]
Great article. I’m just googling around trying to make a video about sls. great information.
[...] say, Mr. Bubble? (I personally don’t use Mr. Bubble anymore because it contains irritating sodium lauryl sulfate, but that’s another blog entry. Literally – click [...]
[...] According to the journal Contact Dermatitis, 10% Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate displays “similar” signs of irritation to 2% Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (Source). [...]
[...] how many bath oils and gels nowadays contain high concentrations of potentially irritating sodium lauryl sulfate. With that said, this is one luxe gift for every beauty-crazed bath lover on your [...]