Skincare Ingredient
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Sodium Laureth Sulfate
In Skincare: Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Sodium laureth sulfate is a cleansing agent that generates foam and lather during use.
- 02
This ingredient, commonly found in facial cleansers, body washes, and shampoos, helps to remove dirt and oil.
- 03
Sodium laureth sulfate can be obtained from coconut sources or manufactured through synthetic processes.
- 04
Industry experts and organizations recognize sodium laureth sulfate as a gentle and safe ingredient for cosmetic formulations.
- 05
In its pure form, sodium laureth sulfate typically presents as a slightly hazy or clear solution.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Role of Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
CLEANSING
Dirt & Oil RemoverRemoves dirt, oil, makeup, and impurities
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Cleansing ingredients remove sebum, dirt, cells, and cosmetics through surfactant action, emulsification, or solubilization. Surfactants reduce surface and interfacial tension, allowing water to wet oily surfaces. Micelle formation enables hydrophobic substances to be solubilized and rinsed away. Must balance efficacy with mildness to avoid stripping natural lipid barrier.
FOAMING
Lather CreatorGenerates rich bubbles and lather
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Foaming agents (surfactants) reduce surface tension allowing air incorporation and stabilization as bubbles. Foam generation requires surfactant adsorption at air-water interface with hydrophobic tails toward air, mechanical agitation introducing air, and stabilization through surfactant films. Anionic surfactants (sodium laureth sulfate) and amphoteric surfactants (cocamidopropyl betaine) are primary foaming agents.
SURFACTANT - CLEANSING
Cleansing SurfactantRemoves dirt and oil through surfactant action
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Cleansing surfactants specifically formulated for removing sebum, dirt, and impurities. Primarily anionic (sodium laureth sulfate, sodium cocoyl isethionate) and amphoteric surfactants (betaines). Mechanism involves reducing surface tension enabling water to wet oily surfaces, solubilizing lipophilic materials in micelles, and emulsifying oils for rinse-off. Cleansing efficacy balanced with mildness by surfactant selection, concentration, and pH optimization. Must avoid excessive lipid removal that compromises barrier function.
SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING
Emulsifying SurfactantBlends oil and water phases into stable mixtures
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Emulsifying surfactants enable creation of stable oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions by positioning at oil-water interface, reducing interfacial tension. HLB (hydrophilic-lipophilic balance) determines emulsion type: HLB 3-6 for W/O, HLB 8-18 for O/W emulsions. Examples include polysorbate 80, ceteareth-20, glyceryl stearate. Mechanism involves forming interfacial film preventing droplet coalescence. Often used in combinations with co-emulsifiers (fatty alcohols) creating lamellar structures for enhanced stability.
Products
containing Sodium Laureth Sulfate
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References
Scientific sources
CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed April 2021, ePublication
International Journal of Toxicology, July 2019, pages 151S-161S
American Chemical Society, October 2017, ePublication
Contact Dermatitis, January 2003, issue 1, pages 26-32
Food and Chemical Toxicology, March 2001, pages 279-286
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sodium Laureth Sulfate — common questions
What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate in skincare?
Sodium laureth sulfate is a synthetic anionic surfactant commonly used in cleansing products like shampoos, body washes, and liquid hand soaps. It’s produced by reacting sodium lauryl sulfate with ethylene oxide. It is part of a family of ethoxylated alcohol salts, including Ammonium Capryleth Sulfate, Ammonium Pareth-25 Sulfate, Ammonium Myreth Sulfate, Magnesium Coceth Sulfate, Magnesium Laureth Sulfate, Magnesium Myreth Sulfate, Magnesium Oleth Sulfate, Sodium Coceth Sulfate, Sodium C10-15 P
What does Sodium Laureth Sulfate do? / Functions of Sodium Laureth Sulfate?
Common functions: CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Sodium Laureth Sulfate? / Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate comedogenic?
The comedogenic rating of Sodium Laureth Sulfate has not been established in our database.
Does it clog pores?
Whether Sodium Laureth Sulfate clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate safe for skin?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Surfactant generally considered safe by CIR at cosmetic use levels but can be irritating/drying (especially in leave-on or compromised skin); potential trace 1,4-dioxane contamination may occur during
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate good for sensitive skin?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate has an irritancy rating of 3 out of 5. A rating of 3 means it may cause mild irritation for some.
What are the side effects of Sodium Laureth Sulfate in skincare?
Known considerations: Surfactant generally considered safe by CIR at cosmetic use levels but can be irritating/drying (especially in leave-on or compromised skin); potential trace 1,4-dioxane contamination may occur during manufacturing, though typically at non-concern levels. Limited safety data available for long-term or high-concentration use. Additional risks: skin irritation (irritancy rating 3/5).