Effects of Sodium Laureth Sulfate on the Environment

Sodium laureth sulfate is a foaming surfactant used in cosmetics, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, detergents and many other products. It is often deemed natural because it is derived from coconut oil. However, the manufacturing process alters the natural ingredients with ethoxylation. Ethoxylation is a process that uses ethylene oxide, which is a known human carcinogen. The surfactant becomes contaminated with byproducts of the manufacturing process.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate and 1,4-Dioxane

• According to the David Suzuki foundation, depending on manufacturing processes, sodium laureth sulfate may be contaminated with considerable amounts of 1,4-dioxane. 1,4-dioxane does not degrade easily and may remain in the environment long after it is rinsed down the shower drain. 1,4-dioxane can be removed from sodium laureth sulfate during the manufacturing process by vacuum stripping. However, there is no way to determine whether products containing sodium laureth sulfate have undergone the removal process.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate and the Environment

• According to an independent study conducted by the Stepan company for the EPA, 10 percent of sodium laureth sulfate decomposes between 30 and 40 days at temperatures of 230 degrees Fahrenheit, and as temperatures decline, decomposition greatly slows. Therefore, under normal use and typical environmental conditions, sodium laureth sulfate is resistant to decomposition. A skin irritation study in rabbits concluded that an application of sodium laureth sulfate caused tissue damage in two of six animals treated. Undiluted sodium laureth sulfate applied to the right eye of each rabbit caused significant iris and conjunctival changes.

1,4-Dioxane and the Environment

• 1,4-dioxane contaminant in sodium laureth sulfate showed low toxicity to aquatic organisms, and it is not likely to be acutely toxic to aquatic or terrestrial animals in the environment. However, long-term exposure to terrestrial animals may increase the chance of tumors, and exposure from residues in water may increase the likelihood of tumors in rats based on chronic drinking habits.

  According to the EPA, 1,4-dioxane is probable carcinogen and is classified as an emerging contaminant. It is used in many products such as paint strippers, dyes, greases, varnishes and waxes. It has been found as an impurity in antifreeze, aircraft fluids and some consumer products such as deodorants, shampoos and cosmetics.

  The EPA reports that 1,4-dioxane has been found in ground water at tested sites throughout the United States. It characterized 1,4-dioxane as a perceived, potential and real threat to human health and the environment.