Sodium Laureth Sulfate — Allergy Risk & Safety Profile
INCI: SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
Also known as: SLES, Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate
Key Facts
- CAS Number
- 9004-82-4
- Category
- surfactant
- Risk Level
- medium
- Common Allergen
- Yes
- Found In
- shampoo, body wash
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate safe in cosmetics?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is rated medium risk in cosmetic products. It is a known allergen that can cause contact dermatitis in sensitized individuals. Less irritating than SLS but potential 1,4-dioxane contamination concern. Safer alternatives include Decyl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate. Commonly found in shampoo, body wash.
What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate?
Milder cousin of SLS. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane.
Allergy & Safety Information
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is generally safe for most people but may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you experience redness, itching, or swelling after using a product with this ingredient, discontinue use and consult a dermatologist.
This ingredient carries moderate allergenicity risk. It can cause reactions in sensitised individuals but has a lower sensitisation rate than high-risk ingredients. Patch testing before full use is advisable for anyone with a history of cosmetic reactions.
About Surfactant / Cleansing Agent Ingredients
Surfactants reduce surface tension between water and oil, allowing products to cleanse, foam, and emulsify. They are essential in shampoos, cleansers, and body washes. However, surfactants vary widely in irritation potential — from harsh (sodium lauryl sulfate) to very mild (sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, decyl glucoside).
Relevance for Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Repeated daily use of strong surfactants disrupts the skin barrier by removing natural lipids, increasing sensitivity to other allergens over time. If you have reactive or eczema-prone skin, choosing low-irritation surfactants and limiting wash time reduces barrier damage.
How to Identify Sodium Laureth Sulfate in Products
Cosmetic ingredients are listed by their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name in descending order of concentration. To check whether a product contains Sodium Laureth Sulfate, scan the ingredient list for its INCI name exactly as it appears above. Ingredients present at 1% or less may appear in any order after the 1% threshold.
Product types to prioritise checking: Shampoo, Body wash. These product categories are the most common sources of Sodium Laureth Sulfate exposure based on formulation data.
Not sure if your products contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate? Paste the ingredient list into the free ingredient checker to scan for Sodium Laureth Sulfate and other allergens automatically.
Cross-Reactions
If you react to Sodium Laureth Sulfate, you may also react to:
Safer Alternatives
These ingredients serve a similar function with lower allergy risk:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate safe for sensitive skin?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate may cause reactions in some sensitive individuals. Patch testing is advisable.
What products contain Sodium Laureth Sulfate?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is commonly found in shampoo, body wash.
What does Sodium Laureth Sulfate do in cosmetics?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate functions as a surfactant in formulations. Less irritating than SLS but potential 1,4-dioxane contamination concern.
Related Guides
Top 10 Cosmetic Allergens
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate on the list? See the full clinical ranking.
Sulfates in Skincare & Shampoo
Which surfactants damage the barrier and safer alternatives.
How to Read Ingredient Labels
Decode INCI names and find hidden allergens in your products.
Find Your Skin Allergy Trigger
Step-by-step elimination method to identify your trigger.
Contact Dermatitis Guide
Symptoms, causes, patch testing, and treatment options.
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate causing YOUR skin reactions?
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