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.
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.
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).
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Use caution with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate for 6-12 month old babies. Some safety concerns have been identified.
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.
May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use. This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Possible negative effects on the environment This is especially important for babies whose skin and systems are still developing.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
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.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product