Everything You Should Know About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Whether SLS-Free Toothpastes Are Right For You
Unless you’re a chemist, you may not know much about sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)—a common ingredient found in many beauty, cleaning and self-care products.1 Unfortunately, this may also mean that you’ve heard some misinformation about this ingredient, which can add to the confusion.
That’s why we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this chemical, including what it is, why it’s used and whether an SLS-free toothpaste is right for you.
What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a chemical compound that is commonly used in personal care and cleaning products, such as body washes, detergents, cleansers, shampoos, handwashes and toothpastes.1,3 SLS is what’s known as a surfactant—that means it reduces the surface tension between ingredients in a product.2It can be made synthetically in a laboratory setting or naturally from coconut oil and palm oil, and it’s what creates a rich lather in cleaning products.3
What Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Used For?
Since SLS is a common ingredient listed in a variety of personal care, cosmetic and household cleaning products, you’re likely to find it in:1,3
- Hygiene products, such as body wash, hand soap and facial cleansers.
- Hair care products, especially in shampoos, because SLS can help trap the dirt and oil in hair and allow it to be rinsed away
- Dental care products, like toothpaste, use SLS as a foaming agent and it helps to remove food particles from teeth
- Household cleaning products like detergents and degreasers, due to SLS’s ability to breakdown oil and grease
You’ll even find it as an additive in some foods! SLS is often used an emulsifier, like in fruit juices, and a thickener for products like marshmallows.3
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Safe?
Studies have shown that there’s no link between the use of SLS and increased cancer risk. In fact, the American Cancer Society does not include SLS on any list of known, probable or anticipated human carcinogens (or cancer-causing agents).2 When used in oral health care products, SLS was not found to have a negative effect on tooth enamel.2
SLS may have side effects for some people. SLS can be irritating if it’s present at high concentrations and left on the skin for a long period of time. However, the amount of SLS found in personal care products is limited in concentration for consumer safety.4
Should I Use an SLS-Free Toothpaste?
SLS-containing toothpastes are safe and effective. However, if you happen to be sensitive to SLS, or simply prefer to use a toothpaste that doesn’t foam, there are plenty of SLS-free toothpastes available to you. In fact, SLS isn’t present in any Pronamel toothpastes.
Pronamel toothpastes are proven to drive minerals deep into enamel surfaces to help actively repair acid-weakened areas for stronger, better protected teeth after you brush.
Source Citations:
- Human and Environmental Toxicity of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Evidence for Safe Use in Household Cleaning Products. Environmental Health Insights. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4651417/. Accessed 9/23/24.
- The Yin and Yang of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Use for Oral and Periodontal Health: A Literature Review. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10506142/. Accessed 9/23/24.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Chemical Safety Facts. https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/sodium-lauryl-sulfate-sls/. Accessed 9/23/24.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfite. Cosmetics Info. https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient/sodium-lauryl-sulfate/. Accessed 9/23/24.
