surfactant irritant

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Evidencestrong · Tier 1Irritation riskHighIn products110

Model irritant in dermatology research. Denatures stratum corneum proteins, solubilizes intercellular lipids, causes keratinocyte cytotoxicity, and triggers IL-1α release. Dose-dependent barrier disruption.

The research

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a surfactant irritant backed by a large, consistent body of clinical evidence (evidence tier 1 of 4). We track 3 studies for it, 3 reporting a positive effect.

Read the research — 3 studies

Contact Dermatitis · 1995 · systematic review

Comprehensive review establishing SLS as the model irritant: mechanisms include protein denaturation of stratum corneum keratins, solubilization of intercellular lipid lamellae, direct keratinocyte cytotoxicity, and IL-1α release triggering inflammatory cascade; barrier recovery takes 5-7 days after single 24-hour SLS exposure

Journal of Investigative Dermatology · 1990 · rct · n=20

Classic dose-response study (n=20): SLS produced concentration-dependent irritant contact dermatitis; TEWL increased linearly with SLS concentration (0.25-2%); barrier disruption was detectable at concentrations as low as 0.5% with 24-hour occlusion; established the gold standard SLS patch test methodology

Products with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

In 110 products — most often cleansers (42), moisturizers (30), serums (24), from $12.05 to $357.25. Set up a profile to rank these for your skin. Click any product to learn more.

10 of 24
Shiseido

Shiseido

Clarifying Cleansing Foam

Cleanser

$39.00136ml · $0.29/ml

★★★★★4.7(1,460)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Acne & breakoutsSeborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Clarifying Cleansing Foam is a water cleanser by Shiseido. Key ingredients include Water, Stearic Acid, Myristic Acid.

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Natura

Natura

Natura Bissé Stabilizing Facial Cleansing Gel with AHA and PHA 200ml

Exfoliant

$67.31200ml · $0.34/ml

★★★★★4.6(580)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentDryness
  • ExcellentRedness & sensitivity
  • StrongDark spots & hyperpigmentation
  • StrongUneven texture

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasmaRosacea

Natura Bissé Stabilizing Facial Cleansing Gel with AHA and PHA 200ml is a exfoliant by Natura. Key ingredients include Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycolic Acid.

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Cetaphil

Cetaphil

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Cleanser – for Dryness, Redness & sensitivity

$34.921.0L · $0.04/ml

★★★★★4.6(55,735)

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasis

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser is a water cleanser by Cetaphil. Key ingredients include Water, Cetyl Alcohol, Propylene Glycol.

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Neutrogena

Neutrogena

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Facial Cleanser for Dry or Dehydrated Skin 200ml

Cleanser

$12.05200ml · $0.06/ml

★★★★★4.5(5,260)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Facial Cleanser for Dry or Dehydrated Skin 200ml is a water cleanser by Neutrogena. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid.

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Neutrogena

Neutrogena

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel

Cleanser – for Dryness, Dark spots & hyperpigmentation

$16.49

★★★★★4.5(1,466)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness
  • RelevantFine lines & wrinkles

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel is a water cleanser by Neutrogena. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid.

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Natura

Natura

Natura Bissé Stabilizing Cleansing Mask 75ml

Cleanser

$59.6975ml · $0.80/ml

★★★★★4.4(1,496)

Ideal for

  • ExcellentAcne & breakouts
  • ExcellentBlackheads
  • StrongUneven tone & radiance
  • StrongDark spots & hyperpigmentation

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaPerioral Dermatitis
Clarins

Clarins

V-Facial Instant Depuffing Face Mask

Mask

$75.0073.9ml · $1.01/ml

★★★★★4.6(342)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Atopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPsoriasisMelasmaSeborrheic DermatitisPerioral Dermatitis

V-Facial Instant Depuffing Face Mask is a mask by Clarins. Key ingredients include Water, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat.

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Clarins

Clarins

Super Restorative Neck and Décolleté Cream

Moisturizer

$120.0071ml · $1.69/ml

★★★★★4.6(324)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasis

Super Restorative Neck and Décolleté Cream is a antioxidant serum by Clarins. Key ingredients include Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Shea Butter.

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Piz Buin

Piz Buin

Piz Buin Tan & Protect Tan Intensifying Sun Oil Spray - Medium SPF15 150ml

Serum

$12.69150ml · $0.09/ml

★★★★★4.7(230)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

Seborrheic DermatitisAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaRosaceaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasisMelasma

Piz Buin Tan & Protect Tan Intensifying Sun Oil Spray - Medium SPF15 150ml is a antioxidant serum by Piz Buin. Key ingredients include Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octocrylene.

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Dermalogica

Dermalogica

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash

Serum – for Dryness, sensitivity

$24.13177ml · $0.14/ml

★★★★★4.5(96)

Ideal for

  • StrongDryness

Not recommended for

RosaceaMelasmaAtopic Dermatitis / EczemaPerioral DermatitisPsoriasis

Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash is a hydrating serum by Dermalogica. Key ingredients include Water, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Lavender Oil.

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Educational information, not medical advice. Study findings summarise the cited research and may not reflect every formulation.