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Ingredient dossier · No. 021

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Also: SLS · sodium dodecyl sulfate · SDS · sodium laurilsulfate


Mostly fine but irritatingnot a hormone disruptor or carcinogen; the main concern is skin and scalp irritation with daily use.


01 · Hormonal impact

Testosterone & hormonal load

Evidence
InconclusiveInsufficient or conflicting evidence

SLS is an effective surfactant with no credible evidence of endocrine disruption or testosterone effects in humans. The cancer myth circulating online is not supported by scientific consensus. The primary concerns are disruption of the skin barrier with daily use, scalp irritation, and potential worsening of certain dermatological conditions. Men with sensitive skin or scalp conditions may benefit from SLS-free alternatives.


02 · Where it appears

Found in.

01Shampoo
02Body wash
03Toothpaste
04Shaving cream
05Facial cleanser

03 · The regulators

Two jurisdictions, two different verdicts.

European Union

Permitted in rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics. Not restricted for endocrine disruption concerns.

United States · FDA

GRAS in food and cosmetics. No restrictions for endocrine disruption.


04 · Sources

The receipts.

  1. [01]
    CIR Final Report — Safety of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (2005)
    www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/SLS.pdf
  2. [02]
  3. [03]

05 · Related dossiers
01Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)C · 50
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