Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
A cosmetic ingredient used as cleansing, denaturant, foaming in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Sodium dodecyl sulphate
What does it do?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Cleansing
helps remove dirt, oil, makeup, and other contaminants from skin or hair
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Denaturant
makes ethanol in cosmetics unfit for drinking — required by regulation when alcohol is used
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Foaming
produces foam when mixed with water and agitated
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Surfactant - cleansing
surfactant whose primary cosmetic role is cleansing — the active workhorse in soaps, shampoos, and body washes
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
EU regulatory status
Sodium Lauryl 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 Lauryl Sulfate?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Sodium dodecyl sulphate
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Sodium Lauryl Sulfate do in cosmetic products?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: cleansing, denaturant, foaming, surfactant - cleansing, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is 151-21-3.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010