Ingredient
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
A strong sulphate surfactant with a high lather. Effective, and more likely than milder surfactants to feel stripping on skin or hair.
- CAS 151-21-3
What it is there to do
Surfactant
Lifts oil and dirt so they rinse away; creates lather.
Where this comes up
The notes BeautySignal puts beside this ingredient when it is on a label.
- Contains sulphate surfactants
This product contains a sulphate surfactant. These clean effectively and lather well; some people find them stripping on hair or skin.
Why we mention it
A widespread preference, particularly in haircare. Presented as a preference rather than a safety matter, because that is what it is.
What we don't know
- Where it comes from — plant, mineral, synthetic — isn't recorded.
- No published rule in our reference names it. That is about the rules, not safety.
- How much of it is used in any particular product. We hold no concentrations at all.
Also written as
- SLS
This is information about an ingredient, not medical advice, and not a judgement about any product that contains it. Back to the reference.