Lauryl Glucoside vs Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: which is worse?

What is Lauryl Glucoside?

Lauryl glucoside is a non-ionic surfactant from the alkyl polyglucoside family, made from glucose and lauryl alcohol (C12, often from coconut oil). It has superior foaming compared to decyl glucoside and is slightly stronger as a cleanser.

What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

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.

Documented risks

Lauryl Glucoside: Lauryl glucoside has an excellent safety profile and is approved for certified organic cosmetics. Very low irritation and sensitization rates are documented. No carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting effects have been identified. It is fully biodegradable.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: 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.