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Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Toxicity

Hiding inside many personal care products is a somewhat controversial cleaning agent. According to a study at the University of Georgia Medical College, this cleaning agent has the potential to cause irreversible damage. Known by the name sodium lauryl sulfate, this chemical, derived from natural ingredients, has made quite a reputation for itself.

  1. What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

    • Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an inexpensive, caustic detergent that is added to personal care products such as shampoos, body washes, cosmetic cleansers, shower gels and toothpastes. Commercially, it's found in engine degreasers, cement floor cleansers and car wash soaps. Sodium lauryl sulfate is the ingredient that gives all these things their foaming action, and it readily attacks grease. It is a commonly known skin irritant and is used in clinical trials to cause skin irritation.

    How Does Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Work?

    • Cleaning by corrosion, sodium lauryl sulfate is also known as a surfactant, or a chemical agent that breaks down the surface tension of water. It gives other cleaning agents the ability to foam, leading the consumer to believe his product is working better than it actually is.

    Side Effects of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

    • The main side effect of sodium lauryl sulfate is skin irritation. Damaging the outer layer, it causes dry, rough, scaly skin. The skin loses its moisture-retaining ability resulting in water loss. According to a study done by The University of Georgia Medical College, sodium lauryl sulfate showed signs of long term retention in bodily tissues, penetrating into the eyes and various organs throughout the body. It showed potential to cause developmental issues in children as well as cataracts in adults. The penetrating power of sodium lauryl sulfate is so great that it can cause other harmful ingredients in products to be easily absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.

    First Aid

    • Material Safety Data Sheets say if skin contact occurs with pure sodium lauryl sulfate, flush the skin immediately with cold water. Cover the area with anti-bacterial cream and seek medical attention. Should sodium lauryl sulfate get in the eyes, flush them with cold water for 15 minutes and get medical help. Moving outside for fresh air will help if it is inhaled. If breathing is a problem, seek medical attention immediately. If sodium lauryl sulfate is swallowed, it is important that vomiting is not induced. The esophagus can be burned by the chemical on its way back up. Loosen tight clothing and get to a doctor right away.

    What You Can Do

    • If using products that contain sodium lauryl sulfate scares you, there are other alternatives. Look for products that do not contain this agent. Most likely, these will be all-natural products, and will say so on the label. Be mindful of the fact that some "natural" products still contain varying degrees of sodium lauryl sulfate, so read the ingredients carefully. When shopping for babies, use extra care to buy products that are sodium lauryl sulfate free.

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