SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a strong anionic surfactant used for cleansing, foaming, and degreasing in rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes, and toothpaste.
What does SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a strong anionic surfactant used for cleansing, foaming, and degreasing in rinse-off products such as shampoos, body washes, and toothpaste.
Is SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, it is accepted by some standards but often flagged because it can be drying and irritating, especially at higher levels or in leave-on use. Concerns focus on skin-barrier disruption and possible trace processing residues, not systemic safety at normal cosmetic use.
Is SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE sustainable?
This material can be made from coconut or palm-derived fatty alcohols, or from petroleum-derived feedstocks, so sourcing matters. It is readily biodegradable, but its high detergent strength can stress aquatic organisms before dilution and breakdown.
Is SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE COSMOS-approved?
It can be permitted under COSMOS-natural when sourcing and manufacturing meet the standard’s criteria, but it is a weaker fit for COSMOS-organic positioning because of its processing chemistry and irritation profile. Green Chemistry alignment is mixed, with possible renewable feedstocks and ready biodegradation balanced against more intensive conversion chemistry.
How does SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE work chemically?
The molecule has a 12-carbon linear oil-loving tail attached to a negatively charged sulfur-oxygen head group, paired with a small mineral counterion. It is typically used around 0.5% to 2% in toothpaste and a few percent in rinse-off cleansers, performs best around mildly acidic to neutral pH, and is commonly blended with amphoteric or nonionic surfactants to reduce irritation and improve feel.
Last updated 2026-08-29