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Answer: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste, Prell Classic Clean Shampoo, Suave Essentials Body Wash.
TL;DR: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (surfactant).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE. Also called SLS. CAS 151-21-3.
Other names: SLS, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, SDS
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste, Prell Classic Clean Shampoo, Suave Essentials Body Wash, St. Ives Apricot Scrub |
| CAS number | 151-21-3 |
Sodium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant derived from lauryl alcohol (from coconut or palm oil). It is one of the oldest and most-studied cosmetic surfactants, prized for its powerful foaming and degreasing properties. Unlike SLES, it is not ethoxylated.
SLS is used as a primary surfactant for its excellent cleansing and lathering ability. It is also used as an emulsifier and penetration enhancer in certain formulations.
SLS is safe at cosmetic use concentrations per the CIR Expert Panel. It is more irritating than SLES to skin and mucous membranes, particularly at concentrations above 2% with prolonged contact; this is why most rinse-off products keep it at 1–2% or opt for SLES. It can disrupt the skin barrier transiently, which is why some people with canker sores or eczema avoid SLS toothpastes and cleansers. It is not carcinogenic, not a hormone disruptor, and is not absorbed systemically in meaningful amounts. It biodegrades rapidly in the environment.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Sodium Lauryl Sulfatewith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
For those with sensitivity, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, or decyl glucoside provide milder cleansing with similar foam.
SLS can cause temporary irritation and barrier disruption in sensitive individuals, especially at higher concentrations or with prolonged exposure. In rinse-off products at normal use levels, it is generally safe.
Some small studies suggest SLS-containing toothpastes may worsen recurrent aphthous ulcers (canker sores) in susceptible people. Switching to SLS-free toothpaste may reduce frequency in those individuals.
No. SLS has not been classified as carcinogenic by any regulatory authority including the FDA, EU SCCS, or IARC.
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