Top Nine Reasons to Avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a synthetic detergent that can be derived from natural sources and is manufactured in a multi-step process. First, the coconut oil fatty acids are reduced into lauryl alcohol. Sulfur trioxide or chlorosulfonic acid is added to the lauryl alcohol by a sulfation process.The mixture is then neutralized, often using sodium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, or sodium bicarbonate to form SLS. The SLS is then purified with one or more solvents, such as n-butanol, diethyl ether, or ethanol. [Source] Also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate, this widely used detergent has been controversial for years. Here are my top nine reasons to avoid sodium lauryl sulfate:

Toxic in Toothpastes

reasons to avoid sodium lauryl sulfate

When used in oral products, SLS has been found to lead to irritation and desquamation of oral soft tissue. It may increase the incidence of mouth ulcers in susceptible individuals. It may also interfere with the ability for teeth to remineralize.

Sources:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8653493
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8811135/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2160726/

Corrosive

SLS has been found to cause a number of effects in animal studies. In concentrations as low as 10%, SLS was found to cause skin corrosion.

Source:
http://ijt.sagepub.com/content/2/7/127

Pollutant

SLS released into waterways from personal care use can affect aquatic systems and harm marine life. Birds in SLS-polluted water are at risk for death.

Source:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31927089/
https://www.jstor.org/stable/3800280

Eye Damage

A 10% concentration of SLS caused corneal damage in rabbits’ eyes when not rinsed out immediately. SLS is used in lab tests to induce eye irritation.

Source:
http://ijt.sagepub.com/content/2/7/127

Pesticide

SLS is toxic to plants and insects, and is used as a pesticide and herbicide in agriculture.

Source:https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/reregistration/fs_G-52_1-Sep-93.pdf

Nitrosamines

SLS is a nitrostating agent, meaning it can break down or cause other chemicals to break down and form a class of carcinogenic chemicals called nitrosamines.