Skincare Ingredient
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Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
In Skincare: Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
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Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate functions as a cleansing agent known for its ability to create foam.
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The use of sodium lauryl sulfoacetate in personal care products dates back to the 1940s.
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The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has assessed sodium lauryl sulfoacetate as safe for use in cosmetics.
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Sodium lauryl sulfoacetate typically appears as a white powder or flakes in its raw material form.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Role of Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
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.
Products
containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
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References
Scientific sources
CosmeticsInfo.org, Accessed November 2022, ePublication
SpecialChem (supplier info), Accessed November 2022, ePublication
PubChem, Accessed November 2022, ePublication
Cosmetic Ingredient Review, September 2022, pages 1-24
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, February 2018, pages 16–30
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, June 1945, pages 293-304
Similar Ingredients
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate — common questions
What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate in skincare?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate is an organic salt, typically found as a white powder or flake. It’s a surfactant – a substance that reduces surface tension – and is used in cosmetic formulations to improve foam stability and create emulsions.
What does Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate do? / Functions of Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate?
Common functions: CLEANSING, FOAMING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate? / Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate comedogenic?
The comedogenic rating of Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate has not been established in our database.
Does it clog pores?
Whether Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate safe for skin?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: No strong evidence of carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded it is safe for use in rinse-off products at concentrations up to 25%, but cau
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate good for sensitive skin?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate in skincare?
Known considerations: No strong evidence of carcinogenicity or endocrine disruption. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded it is safe for use in rinse-off products at concentrations up to 25%, but caution is advised in leave-on products due to potential for increased skin irritation.