sodium lauryl sulfate

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

Action: 

Cleansing: sodium lauryl sulfate is a powerful cleansing agent. It is used in shampoos, body washes, toothpaste, and household cleaning products because of its ability to break down oils and remove dirt from surfaces. 

Emulsifying: sodium lauryl sulfate can help mix oil and water, forming stable emulsions in products such as lotions and creams. 

Spectrum: 

Personal Care Products: sodium lauryl sulfate is commonly found in shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, and body washes. It provides effective cleaning and foaming properties, but its potential for skin and eye irritation might not suit those with sensitive skin or certain skin conditions. 

Toothpaste: In toothpaste, sodium lauryl sulfate helps create foam and distribute the paste evenly in the mouth. However, some people may experience increased risk of canker sores or mouth ulcers because of SLS irritation. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Split and fuzzy hair 

Swelling of the hands, face, and arms 

Tangled hair 

Scalp irritation 

Eye irritation 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning:  

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Skin Irritation: SLS can irritate the skin, especially for sensitive or dry skin. It can cause redness, itching, and a burning sensation. 

Eye Irritation: SLS is known to cause eye irritation, leading to redness, tearing, and discomfort. Prevent eye contact and ensure thorough rinsing in the event of contact. 

Mouth and Oral Irritation: Some toothpaste and oral care products containing SLS may irritate the mouth, including canker sores and dryness. Individuals prone to such issues may want to choose SLS-free oral care products. 

Allergies: While rare, some people may be allergic to SLS, leading to skin rashes, hives, or more severe allergic reactions. If you have concern about the potential for an allergic response, it’s recommended to discontinue product use and consult with a healthcare professional. 

Children and Infants: Some pediatric healthcare professionals recommend avoiding SLS-containing products for babies and young children due to their more delicate skin and potential for skin irritation. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

<b>Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: sodium lauryl sulfate is a synthetic surfactant that is commonly used in a wide range of personal care and cleaning products. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

Penetration Enhancement: In some pharmaceutical applications, sodium lauryl sulfate is used as a penetration enhancer to help deliver drugs or other active ingredients through the skin. By disrupting the skin’s barrier function, sodium lauryl sulphate can facilitate the absorption of substances into the body. 

Emulsification: sodium lauryl sulfate can help disperse and emulsify oils and other non-water-soluble substances in water-based formulations, making it useful in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

sodium lauryl sulfate is applied to the skin or mucous membranes in products like shampoos, soaps, and toothpaste. It has the potential to permeate the skin and mucous membranes, although overall systemic absorption is typically limited. 

Distribution 

sodium lauryl sulfate, when absorbed, is distributed locally in the tissues where it is applied. It does not significantly enter the bloodstream to be distributed throughout the body. 

Its distribution may lead to local effects such as skin or eye irritation if it accumulates in high concentrations. 

Metabolism 

sodium lauryl sulfate does not undergo metabolism in the body in the same way that drugs do. Instead, it typically remains in its original form as it is a relatively simple chemical compound. 

Excretion and Elimination 

sodium lauryl sulfate and its derivatives are excreted primarily through urine and, to a lesser extent, in feces if ingested accidentally or swallowed. 

It is not metabolized in the body to a significant extent, so the excretion is primarily via renal clearance. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

sodium lauryl sulfate is a common detergent and surfactant used in a variety of personal care and cleaning products, including shampoos, toothpaste, soaps, and more, it is generally safe for external use. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: sodium lauryl sulfate 

Why do we use sodium lauryl sulfate?  

sodium lauryl sulfate is widely used as a cleansing agent in products such as shampoos, body washes, and toothpaste. It helps create a lather, which effectively removes dirt, oil, and debris from the skin, hair, and teeth.  

sodium lauryl sulfate is added to many personal care products to create foam and bubbles. This can enhance the sensory experience of using these products and make them more enjoyable for consumers.  

sodium lauryl sulfate can lower the surface tension of liquids, which is especially useful in toothpaste and mouthwash to allow better distribution and penetration of the product throughout the mouth.