Allowed in EU

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

A cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, foaming, surfactant - cleansing in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.

What is it?

sodium 2-(2-dodecyloxyethoxy)ethyl sulphate

What does it do?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:

  • Cleansing

    helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other contaminants from skin or hair

  • Foaming

    produces foam when mixed with water and agitated

  • Surfactant - cleansing

    surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes

  • Surfactant - emulsifying

    surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate

EU regulatory status

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.

Frequently asked questions

What is Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. sodium 2-(2-dodecyloxyethoxy)ethyl sulphate

Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate allowed in cosmetics in the EU?

Yes. Sodium Laureth Sulfate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.

What does Sodium Laureth Sulfate do in cosmetic products?

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: cleansing, foaming, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.

What is the CAS number of Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Sodium Laureth Sulfate is 3088-31-1 / 9004-82-4 / 68891-38-3 / 1335-72-4 / 68585-34-2 / 91648-56-5.

Related ingredients

Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 04/10/2012