SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE is graded C** (Moderate) by Expert·ING, based on COSING, FDA regulatory data. It is restricted under Sephora Clean (Prohibited).
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Safety grade: C**
A cleansing agent commonly found in shampoos, body washes, and toothpastes that helps remove dirt and oil from skin and hair. It's the ingredient that creates the foamy lather you see when you wash.
This ingredient works as a powerful cleanser and foaming agent that removes dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin and hair, while also helping to blend other ingredients together in the product.
Graded using: COSING, FDA.
- Sephora Clean — Prohibited
Last verified: May 26, 2026
Safer alternatives to SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
- COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE — Grade A. Mild surfactant and cleanser that removes dirt and oil with gentler profile.
- COCO-GLUCOSIDE — Grade A. Plant-derived surfactant that cleanses and foams similarly but more gently.
- DECYL GLUCOSIDE — Grade A. Mild surfactant cleanser derived from glucose; removes dirt with reduced irritation.
Other Surfactant ingredients
- SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE — Grade C
- XANTHAN GUM — Grade A
- CETEARYL ALCOHOL — Grade A
- CETYL ALCOHOL — Grade A
- STEARIC ACID — Grade A
- PEG-40 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL — Grade A