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Ingredient Analysis

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Also known as: SLS, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium monolauryl sulfate, sodium monododecyl sulfate

A powerful anionic surfactant derived from coconut or palm kernel oil, then chemically processed. SLS is one of the most widely used cleansing and foaming agents in personal care products. It is a known skin irritant that strips natural oils and disrupts the skin barrier.

Irritant
Hazard Score
6
High Concern

1 = low concern, 10 = avoid

Risk by Usage Frequency

How risk changes depending on how often you use products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).

1-2x per week

Minor irritation possible; skin recovers between uses.

Daily use

Daily use leads to chronic barrier disruption, dryness, and increased sensitivity.

2+ times daily

Compounding irritation from multiple SLS-containing products. Switch to gentler surfactants.

Health Risks

Potent skin irritant that strips the natural lipid barrier, causing dryness, redness, and flaking.

Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1983 — SLS irritation threshold study

Can cause canker sores and oral tissue irritation when used in toothpaste.

Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 1996 — SLS and recurrent aphthous ulcers

Enhances penetration of other chemicals through compromised skin barrier.

Global Regulatory Status

How sodium lauryl sulfate (sls) is regulated in cosmetics and personal care products around the world.

Allowed in 11
🇺🇸USA
Allowed
🇪🇺EU
Allowed
🇬🇧UK
Allowed
🇨🇦Canada
Allowed
🇯🇵Japan
Allowed
🇰🇷S. Korea
Allowed
🇦🇺Australia
Allowed
🇨🇳China
Allowed
🇧🇷Brazil
Allowed
🇮🇳India
Allowed
🌏ASEAN
Allowed

Why Brands Use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Produces thick lather and effectively removes oil and dirt. Extremely inexpensive, which is why it appears in everything from shampoo to toothpaste.

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Better alternatives exist. Brands choose sodium lauryl sulfate (sls) because it's cheap and effective, but safer options like coco glucoside, decyl glucoside, sodium cocoyl isethionate deliver similar results without the health concerns.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in Product Categories

Click a category to see every product containing sodium lauryl sulfate (sls) in that category, with full ingredient breakdowns.

Lip Balm products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Lip Balm

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Face Moisturizer products containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

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Safe Alternatives

coco glucoside
decyl glucoside
sodium cocoyl isethionate
castile soap

What Numbrrrz Uses Instead

Numbrrrz avoids all sulfate surfactants. Our lip balms use organic coconut oil and jojoba oil — no harsh surfactants that strip the skin barrier.

FAQ

Is SLS the same as SLES?
No. SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) and SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) are related but different. SLS is harsher and more irritating. SLES is a milder version but carries its own risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination from the ethoxylation process.
Why does SLS cause canker sores?
SLS strips the protective mucous lining in the mouth, leaving oral tissue vulnerable to irritation and ulceration. Switching to an SLS-free toothpaste significantly reduces recurrent canker sores in susceptible people.
Is SLS natural since it comes from coconut oil?
SLS starts from coconut or palm oil but undergoes extensive chemical processing. The final product bears little resemblance to its natural source and behaves as a harsh synthetic surfactant.
Is SLS banned in any countries?
SLS is not banned in any major market, but the EU limits its concentration in certain product types. Many clean beauty certifications like COSMOS and Ecocert prohibit SLS. Its widespread use persists because of its extremely low cost and effective lathering properties.
Can SLS cause eczema or dermatitis?
SLS is so reliably irritating that dermatologists actually use it as a standard irritant in skin patch testing. Regular exposure strips the skin's natural lipid barrier, and for people with eczema, SLS can trigger or worsen flare-ups significantly.
Does Numbrrrz use SLS?
No. Numbrrrz products are completely free of SLS and all sulfate surfactants. Our lip balms use organic coconut oil and jojoba oil for a gentle cleansing effect without harsh surfactants that strip the skin barrier.

Skip the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Choose Numbrrrz.

Four organic ingredients. Zero toxins. The lip balm your body deserves.