Last verified: 17 days ago
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Also known as: SLS, sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS, lauryl sulfate sodium salt
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Industrial surfactant used as a skin irritant model in research, not a beneficial supplement ingredient.
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What it does
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a synthetic detergent and surfactant found in cleaning products, toothpastes, and shampoos. In research, it is primarily used as a standardized skin irritant to...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
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Found in
What the Science Says
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a synthetic detergent and surfactant found in cleaning products, toothpastes, and shampoos. In research, it is primarily used as a standardized skin irritant to deliberately damage the skin barrier in lab models — not as a therapeutic agent. It also appears in pharmaceutical manufacturing as a solubility enhancer and penetration promoter for drug formulations.
What It Doesn't Do
SLS is not a supplement ingredient with health benefits. It does not improve skin health — it actively damages the skin barrier. It has no proven role in treating any medical condition when taken or applied as a supplement. It is not an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or skin-repair agent. Do not confuse its use as a research tool with therapeutic benefit.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Reliably damages the skin barrier in research models, making it useful as a standardized irritant control in dermatology studies.
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 0.25% aqueous solution (patch testing)
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Used as a chemical penetration enhancer in topical pharmaceutical formulations to improve drug absorption through skin and nails.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Shows antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria at low concentrations in lab settings, but requires very high doses to kill biofilms.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Unknown for supplemental use — SLS is not intended for internal consumption. As a topical agent, it penetrates the skin barrier and causes irritation. Absorption data in humans as a supplement is not available from the provided studies.
Red Flags to Watch For
- SLS is not a supplement — it is an industrial surfactant and known skin irritant used in labs to deliberately damage skin
- Any product marketing SLS as a health-promoting supplement ingredient has no support from the provided clinical evidence
- SLS caused measurable organ damage (liver, spleen) and hematological harm in animal toxicity studies at low concentrations
- Over 22% of patch-tested patients showed positive irritant reactions to 0.25% SLS, indicating widespread skin sensitivity
- SLS is used in pharmaceutical manufacturing as an excipient, not as an active therapeutic ingredient
Products Containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
See how Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Sodium Lauryl Sulfate do?
Industrial surfactant used as a skin irritant model in research, not a beneficial supplement ingredient.
What is the effective dose of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
No established dose
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate safe?
SLS is not a supplement — it is an industrial surfactant and known skin irritant used in labs to deliberately damage skin
What doesn't Sodium Lauryl Sulfate do?
SLS is not a supplement ingredient with health benefits.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-25