Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are anionic surfactants used in cleansers and shampoos to produce foam and remove oil and dirt. They are formulation base ingredients rather than treatment actives, with SLES generally milder than SLS.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation and dryness | Common | Disruption of the skin barrier and lipid removal, especially with high concentrations or prolonged contact; SLS is more irritating than SLES. |
Eye irritation | Common | Stinging and redness on ocular contact in rinse-off products. |
Contact dermatitis (irritant) | Uncommon | More likely with leave-on formulations or sensitive/atopic skin. |
Worsening of pre-existing eczema/atopic dermatitis | Uncommon | Barrier disruption can aggravate compromised skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis (true sensitization) | Rare | SLS is primarily an irritant; genuine allergy is uncommon and may relate to manufacturing impurities. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.