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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

A strong foam maker.

What it does

A powerful cleanser that makes lots of foam and removes oil and dirt.

Good to know

Clovi flags sulfates. The European Medicines Agency calls it a known skin irritant, so it may not suit dry or sensitive skin. It's mostly found in rinse-off products.

Often found in: Toothpastes, Shampoos, Anti-dandruff shampoos

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: Up to 30% in rinse-off products (eye warning above 5%) and 1.5% in leave-on. Above that it's controlled (Schedule 6). Source

Sources

• The sodium lauryl sulfate model: an overview (Contact Dermatitis, 1995) (Independent)
• EMA: Sodium laurilsulfate report (known skin irritant) (Regulator)
• CIR: Final Report on Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate (1983) (Industry-funded)