Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate molecular structurePubChem

adults • Skin contact product

Check for Different Age (6 available)

Is this safe for adults to use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

✅
YES - Generally Safe
Danger Score: 1 (Lower is safer)
Quick Answer: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is generally considered safe for adults when used in topical products. Adults generally have higher tolerance.

ℹ️General Overview

For adults, sodium lauryl sulfate is usually low risk when used in rinsing products like shampoos or body washes. The biggest concern is that it can irritate skin, eyes, or airways for some people.

✅What to Do

Use products that rinse off rather than leave on. If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or damaged skin, choose SLS-free options or products labeled gentle. Rinse well after use. If you try a product for the first time, watch your skin for redness, burning, or dryness.

⚠️Warnings

Watch for irritation (redness, stinging, dry or itchy skin) — this is the main documented problem (based on safety reviews). Avoid using on broken or inflamed skin and avoid leaving products containing SLS on the skin for long periods. Some product standards limit or restrict its use, so check product labeling if you prefer stricter formulations.

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

Is this safe for adults to use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

Yes, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is generally considered safe for adults based on current research.

What are the irritant risks of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate for adults?

Can cause skin redness, itchiness, or rashes—especially on sensitive baby skin.

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

May harm organs like liver, kidneys, or lungs with repeated use.

What are the environmental risks of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate for adults?

Possible negative effects on the environment

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.

When can adults using products with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for adults. Use the age selector above to check other ages.

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