In our reference data, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate rated comedogenic 5/5.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant widely used in cleansers, shampoos, and toothpastes to remove oil and debris and to produce foam. It is also used in patch testing as a standard skin irritant.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation / dryness | Common | Can disrupt the skin barrier and remove natural lipids, especially at higher concentrations or with prolonged contact. |
Erythema and roughness | Common | Frequently observed in patch-test and leave-on exposure studies; concentration- and duration-dependent. |
Increased transepidermal water loss | Common | Reflects barrier disruption; more pronounced in sensitive or atopic skin. |
Eye/mucous membrane irritation | Uncommon | Stinging or irritation can occur on contact, relevant for shampoos and rinse-off products. |
Aggravation of eczema or pre-existing dermatitis | Uncommon | May worsen symptoms in individuals with compromised skin barriers. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | True allergy is uncommon; most reactions are irritant rather than allergic in nature. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.