Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

6-12 month old babiesSkin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Can older babies use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

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USE WITH CAUTION
Danger Score: 5 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate use with caution for 6-12 month old babies when used in topical products. Monitor for any reactions in older babies.

ℹ️General Overview

For babies 6–12 months: SLS is a detergent that can foam well but may irritate sensitive baby skin or eyes. It is lower risk for long-term harms, but irritation is the main concern.

What to Do

Use products made for babies that rinse off (baby shampoos or wash) and avoid products that stay on the skin if they list SLS. Rinse thoroughly, keep it away from the eyes and face when possible, and choose milder or SLS-free baby formulas if your child has dry or easily irritated skin. Do a small patch check first if you’re unsure.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for redness, stinging, dryness, rash, or sore eyes — these are signs of irritation (based on industry safety reviews). Avoid SLS in leave-on products for infants and stop using any product that causes irritation. Note: a government review flagged possible non-reproductive organ toxicity and environmental harm, and safety panels recommend limits on concentration and on leaving the ingredient on the skin (sources: Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Environment Canada, U.S. FDA).

Confidence: HIGH

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Safety Risk Labels

This ingredient has the following documented risks:

Irritant: A cosmetic safety review (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) reports strong evidence this ingredient can irritate skin, eyes, or lungs. That means it can cause redness, stinging, or rash—especially on sensitive or baby skin and at higher concentrations.
Organ Risk: Environment Canada has classified this chemical as expected to be toxic or harmful to non-reproductive organs and given it a medium human-health priority. This flag means repeated or heavy exposure could harm organs (for example liver or lungs) over time.
Environmental: Environment Canada also lists this ingredient as suspected to be an environmental toxin, indicating it may harm aquatic life or ecosystems if released into the environment.

Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.

Alternative Names for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

This ingredient may also be listed as:

sodium lauryl sulfateSODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (JP17/NF)KS-00000VTLSODIUM DODECYL SULPHATE (SDS)CHEMBL23393DTXSID1026031SODIUM DODECYL SULFATE, 99%DODECYL SULPHURIC ACID SODIUM SALTSODIUM DODECYL SULPHATE SOLUTIONDODECYL SODIUM SULFATE, DODECYL SULFATE SODIUM SALT, LAURYL SULFATE SODIUM SALT, SDS, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATEDODECYL SULFATE, SODIUM SALT, 98%, FOR BIOCHEMISTRY, SUITABLE FOR ELECTROPHORESISSODIUM LAURYL SULFATE

Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.

Common Questions About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Can older babies safely use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Use caution with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.

What are the irritant risks of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate for older babies?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the organ risk risks of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate for older babies?

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What are the environmental risks of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate for older babies?

Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.

What products contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.

Is this appropriate for older babies to using products with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 6-12 month old babies. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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