Summary
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a common detergent found in many personal care and household products. While it is a known irritant, the primary concern raised is its potential contamination with toxic and carcinogenic chemicals. Based on this risk, switching to sulfate-free alternatives is recommended.
Key Takeaways
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a detergent ingredient found widely in shampoos, gels, cosmetics, facial cleansers, and dishwashing liquids
- SLS is a known irritant to the skin, lungs, and eyes
- SLS is toxic to aquatic life
- The bigger concern is potential contamination with two toxic chemicals during manufacturing
- Ethylene oxide is identified as a known human carcinogen
- 1,4-Dioxane is identified as a possible human carcinogen
- Switching to sulfate-free shampoos, gels, and cosmetics is the recommended course of action
Details
What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
SLS is a synthetic detergent and surfactant used across a broad range of consumer products, including:
- Shampoos and hair gels
- Facial cleansing products and cosmetics
- Dishwashing liquids
Known Irritant Properties
SLS is directly irritating to three areas of the body:
- Skin – topical irritation with repeated exposure
- Lungs – irritation upon inhalation
- Eyes – direct irritant on contact
It is also documented as toxic to aquatic ecosystems.
The Contamination Concern
Beyond its irritant properties, the more significant health risk comes from two potential chemical contaminants:
- Ethylene oxide — classified as a known human carcinogen. This means there is established evidence linking it to cancer in humans.
- 1,4-Dioxane — classified as a possible human carcinogen. Evidence suggests a cancer risk, though it is not yet definitively confirmed in humans.
These contaminants are not intentional ingredients but can be present as byproducts in SLS-containing formulations.
Practical Recommendation
The straightforward recommendation is to replace SLS-containing products with sulfate-free alternatives. This applies to:
- Shampoos
- Body and hair gels
- Cosmetics and facial cleansers
Sulfate-free versions of these products are widely available and avoid the contamination risks associated with conventional SLS formulations.