Sodium lauryl sulfate is not appropriate for skin care products. It is a surfactant which means it lowers the surface tension of water ( we use surfactant in our lungs to keep our alveoli intact). It is used beneficially in shampoos and in fact gives it the foaming action we all like.... more
Does sodium lauryl sulfate cause skin allergic reactions?
I have super sensitive skin that breaks out and gets flaky from lots of skin cleansers, even expensive anti-wrinkle creams. Is the cause likely sodium lauryl sulfate? Is sodium lauryl sulfate bad for sensitive skin?
E.B.
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17 posts
18 Jan 2008
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a wetting agent and foaming agent that is designed for wash-off products only. If you are finding them in your leave-on products, discard those products. Some companies do use sodium lauryl sulfate in leave-on products because it gives a pearlescent appearance and fluffy whipped look to a product. In leave-on products, it is an irritant and can cause problems. I have found sodium lauryl sulfate in lotions, crèmes, foundations, sunscreens, and soufflés. Read labels, read labels, read labels, and avoid this ingredient in leave-on products. Generally, in wash-off products sodium lauryl sulfate is not a problem. It is commonly used in shampoo, shower gel, and toothpaste. Some people are sensitive to all sulfated products. If you turn red and flushed when you drink wine, then there is a very good chance that you cannot tolerate sulfite products and should avoid all of them. But there is hope since there are “no-sulfate” products available in all categories. It is easy to find “no-sulfate” shampoo, shower gel, and even toothpaste. If you do have sensitive skin, I recommend cleansing your face with a lotion or crème based cleanser and not the typical foaming cleanser. Make sure that the product is designed to be pH balance and mild. It is especially important with sensitive skin to use natural products. I had many of the same issues you are describing before I switched to natural cosmetics. But beware; don’t go too natural - castile soap should not be used to wash your face, as the pH is much too high.