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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.
| 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 |
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 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.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not currently banned worldwide, though some agencies have flagged concerns. See the sources below.
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.
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.
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.
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Audited products that don't contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
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