Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Safe During Pregnancy?
The facts: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not banned worldwide, but some health agencies have flagged concerns. We can't tell you whether it's safe for your pregnancy — that's a conversation for your OB-GYN or midwife. What we can do is show you the regulatory facts and flag Sodium Lauryl Sulfate on any product's label so you can decide with your provider. 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 and allowed in the US. Here's what to know if you're pregnant.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: regulatory status at a glance
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level (regulatory) | low |
| Where it shows up | Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste, Prell Classic Clean Shampoo, Suave Essentials Body Wash, St. Ives Apricot Scrub |
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.
Why is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate used in personal-care products?
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.
What regulators have flagged about 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.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate with citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice and is not pregnancy-specific medical guidance. Consult your OB-GYN or midwife for decisions about your pregnancy.
Pregnancy-conscious swaps free from Sodium Lauryl Sulfate →
Audited products that don't contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and pregnancy: common questions
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate banned anywhere?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
Should I avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate during pregnancy?
That's a decision for you and your OB-GYN or midwife — we don't give medical advice. What we can tell you is the regulatory status above. Many people choose to limit additives during pregnancy out of caution; bring this page and its sources to your next appointment.
What products contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
Commonly found in Colgate Total Whitening Toothpaste, Prell Classic Clean Shampoo, Suave Essentials Body Wash, St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Scan any product's barcode to check its label for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
What can I use instead of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
For those with sensitivity, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium cocoyl isethionate, or decyl glucoside provide milder cleansing with similar foam. See the pregnancy-conscious swaps below.
Scan any product's barcode and instantly see if it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or other ingredients restricted overseas.
Scan a product free →Other ingredients to check during pregnancy
Sources
- Final Safety Assessment of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate — Cosmetic Ingredient Review
- EWG Skin Deep: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate — Environmental Working Group
- Canker sores and SLS-free toothpaste: A clinical review — PubMed/NCBI
Our scores are never influenced by brands. Last updated 6/11/2026.