At a glance
- CAS number
- 151-21-3
- INCI name
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Function
- surfactant, emulsifier, cleansing, foaming agent, emulsifying
- Typical use level
- 0.5%–15%
- Solubility
- water
- Stable pH
- 6–8
CAS number and synonyms are sourced from PubChem. Function, usage levels, pH and compatibility are AI-assisted formulation guidance — verify against your supplier's technical data sheet and applicable regulations before use.
Also known as
Sodium dodecyl sulfate Sodium dodecylsulfate Sodium lauryl sulphate Sodium dodecyl sulphate Sodium n-dodecyl sulfate Dodecyl sodium sulfate Anticerumen Duponal Gardinol Stepanol methyl Neutrazyme Stepanol wac
Compatibility
Works well with:
Sodium Chloride Cocamidopropyl Betaine Cocamide DEA Cocamide MEA Glycerin Sodium Laureth Sulfate Citric Acid Sodium Benzoate PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate
Use caution with:
Cationic Surfactants Quaternium-15 Behentrimonium Chloride Cetrimonium Chloride High-Cation Polymers Polyquaternium-10 Cationic Guar L-Ascorbic Acid Proteins
SLS is an anionic surfactant and will form insoluble complexes or lose efficacy when combined with cationic surfactants or cationic conditioning polymers due to charge-charge interactions. Highly acidic environments below pH 6 can cause hydrolysis and reduced performance, while very alkaline conditions above pH 8 may increase skin irritation potential. It can also denature or precipitate proteins, limiting compatibility with protein-based actives.
Formulation notes
Known primary irritant at higher concentrations; EU and industry guidelines generally recommend keeping levels below 1% in leave-on products and using with caution in rinse-off formulas targeting sensitive skin. Often replaced or blended with milder surfactants (e.g., SLES, betaines) to reduce irritancy. Not recommended in leave-on formulations due to transepidermal water loss concerns and mucosal irritation risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a surfactant, emulsifier, cleansing, foaming agent, emulsifying used in cosmetic and personal-care formulation. Typical use level is 0.5%–15%. It is water-soluble. Stable in the pH 6–8 range.
What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate used for?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used as surfactant, emulsifier, cleansing, foaming agent, emulsifying in cosmetic and personal-care formulations.
What is the typical use level of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is typically used at 0.5%–15% in the finished formulation. Always confirm against your supplier's technical data sheet.
What is the CAS number of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
The CAS registry number for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is 151-21-3. Its INCI name is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
At what pH is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate stable?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is generally stable in the pH 6–8 range.
What ingredients are compatible with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate works well with Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Cocamide MEA, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate. Use caution when combining it with Cationic Surfactants, Quaternium-15, Behentrimonium Chloride, Cetrimonium Chloride, High-Cation Polymers, Polyquaternium-10, Cationic Guar, L-Ascorbic Acid, Proteins.
Related ingredients
- Coco-GlucosideSurfactant
- Lauryl GlucosideSurfactant
- Sodium Cocoyl GlutamateSurfactant
- Sodium Cocoyl IsethionateSurfactant
- Sodium Lauroyl SarcosinateSurfactant
- Behenyl PEG/PPG-20/20 DimethiconeEmulsifier