Sulphates (e.g., sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium laureth sulphate) are anionic surfactants used in cleansers and shampoos to produce foam and remove oil and dirt. They are formulation/base ingredients rather than therapeutic actives.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin dryness and stripping of natural oils | Common | Strong cleansing can disrupt the skin barrier, especially with frequent use. |
Irritation (stinging, redness, tightness) | Common | More pronounced with SLS than SLES, and on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Eye irritation | Common | Can cause stinging if cleanser or shampoo contacts the eyes. |
Exacerbation of eczema or dermatitis | Uncommon | May worsen pre-existing inflammatory skin conditions. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | True allergy is uncommon; most reactions are irritant rather than allergic. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.