Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate safe in cosmetics?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Also known as: Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-sulfo-omega-(dodecyloxy)-, sodium salt (1:1), Sodium dodecylpoly(oxyethylene) sulfate, Dodecyl alcohol, monoether with polyethylene glycol, hydrogen sulfate sodium salt, 81-5B, Abex 18S (+14 more)
INCI: SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (CAS 9004-82-4) is a cosmetic surfactant functioning as Surfactant; foaming agent; primary cleanser. NOAEL 50 mg/kg bw/day (cross-referenced against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted, max 1,4-dioxane process impurity capped at ≤10 ppm per EU GMP guidance. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 9004-82-4 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is classified GHS Danger (H315, H318, H319, H412) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics at max 1,4-dioxane process impurity capped at ≤10 ppm per EU GMP guidance.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status/eu_max; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Surfactant; foaming agent; primary cleanser
Safety Rating
MODERATE
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
EU Max Conc.
1,4-dioxane process impurity capped at ≤10 ppm per EU GMP guidance
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
CIR assessed safe as used. New York State mandates ≤2 ppm 1,4-dioxane (Dec 2023) and ≤1 ppm (Dec 2024). California follows similar limits. FDA monitors dioxane levels in finished products. Vacuum stripping reduces residuals to <10 ppm in quality grades.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment
Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Sodium Laureth Sulfate across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Sodium Laureth Sulfate based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Sensitization Rate
low
Allergen Class
surfactant
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
0.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis
Source: NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
2 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
| Endpoint | Value | Species | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 | =1600 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | HPVIS |
| LD50 | =1600 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ChemIDplus |
Endocrine Disruptor Evidence (Expanded)
Cross-referenced EDC classifications, mechanism data, and dose-response evidence from EDLists, SIN List, and cosmetic-specific detail sources.
Cosmetic-Specific Mechanism
Category: surfactant
Receptor targets: ERα (via 1,4-dioxane impurity)
LOEC: N/A (impurity concern)
EU status: allowed (max 2% free 1,4-dioxane limit)
indirect modulator (contaminant)
Typical Use Concentrations
Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.
| Product Category | Typical Range | Max Reported | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shampoo | 5–15 | 20 | CIR/VCRP |
| Body Wash | 5–15 | 20 | CIR/VCRP |
| Facial Cleanser | 5–12 | 20 | CIR/VCRP |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "no", "allergen_class": "surfactant", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "0.5", "sensitization_rate": "low", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "no", "source": "NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA"}
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "68585-34-2/9004-82-4", "ingredient_class": "cleanser_baby", "pediatric_safety_rating": "caution", "minimum_age_months": "6", "neonatal_safe": "yes", "premature_infant_safe": "insufficient_data", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "DEBATE: Milder than SLS but ethoxylated (1,4-dioxane risk); limit use babies", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "moderate", "systemic_expo…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "3", "skin_type_suitability": "oily,combination", "acne_safe": "caution", "source": "Moderate irritant"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "5.0", "max_concentration_pct": "15.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "10.0", "product_type": "Body Wash", "function_at_concentration": "Surfactant", "source": "CIR Safety Assessment"}
emulsion_hlb
{"hlb_value": "40.0", "hlb_required_as_emulsifier": "yes", "emulsifier_type": "o_w", "critical_packing_parameter": "0.10-0.20", "emulsion_stabilization_mechanism": "electrostatic_repulsion", "co_emulsifier_pairs": "cetyl_alcohol,cocamidopropyl_betaine", "optimal_oil_phase_pct": "2-8", "optimal_water_phase_pct": "92-98", "electrolyte_tolerance": "low", "pH_emulsion_stability_range": "5.0-8.5", "vis…
hair_care
{"hair_function": "cleansing", "hair_type_suitability": "all", "curl_pattern_suitability": "all", "porosity_suitability": "all", "protein_sensitivity": "neutral", "moisture_protein_balance": "no", "cg_method_approved": "not-a-silicone", "silicone_type": "harsh", "sulfate_type": "no", "drying_alcohol": "no", "fatty_alcohol": "no", "heat_protectant": "no", "color_safe": "neutral", "keratin_bond": "y…
self_tanning
{"cas_number": "68585-34-2", "ingredient_class": "mousse_tan", "tanning_mechanism": "other", "color_development_onset_hours": "0.0", "full_color_development_hours": "0", "color_duration_days": "0", "DHA_concentration_if_applicable_pct": "0", "erythrulose_concentration_pct": "0", "pH_dependent_color": "no", "formaldehyde_release_concern": "no", "formaldehyde_release_ppm": "0", "AGE_formation_concer…
sensory
{"silky": "light", "smooth, glides easily": "rich, foaming", "dry-touch, non-greasy": "clean, less-stripped", "instant": "fast", "none": "very-high", "low": "low", "w/o": "o/w", "very-high": "high", "no": "no", "yes": "no", "1.40": "1.48", "transparent": "transparent", "colorless": "pale-yellow", "excellent": "excellent", "light": "light", "synthetic": "synthetic"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Cleaning agent
Emulsifier
Foamant
Fragrance
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Regulatory List Membership (4)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics)
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
Regulatory Flags
sulfate
ethoxylated
1,4-dioxane-risk
barrier-disruptor
state-regulated
eu_children_restricted
epa_safer_alternative
ifra_fragrance
Known Synonyms
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), alpha-sulfo-omega-(dodecyloxy)-, sodium salt (1:1)
Sodium dodecylpoly(oxyethylene) sulfate
Dodecyl alcohol, monoether with polyethylene glycol, hydrogen sulfate sodium salt
81-5B
Abex 18S
Polyoxy (1,2 ethandiyl) alpha-sulpho-omega- dodecyloxy-, sodium salt
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl), .alpha.-sulfo-.omega.-(dodecyloxy)-, sodium salt (1:1)
Sodium lauryl polyoxyethylene ether sulfate
Conco Sulfate WE
Rewopol NL-2
Sodium lauryl sulfate ethoxylate
Standapol ES-3
alpha-Sulfo-omega-(dodecyloxy)poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl) sodium salt
Texapon N40
UNII-BPV390UAP0
Sodium laureth-3 sulfate
Steol CS-460
UNII-410Q7WN1BX
UNII-ZZQ59TY3KG
Chemical Function
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Emulsifier
Cleaning agent
Regulatory Lists
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
IFRA Transparency
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
SCIL (9/2019)
Europe; Personal care - body hygiene - hand soap
children; Europe; Personal care
children; Europe; Personal care - body hygiene - body wash
children; Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo
children; Europe; Personal care - specialized bath products - bubble bath
children; Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
Cleaning products and household care - laundry and fabric treatment - laundry detergent; Europe
Cleaning products and household care - dishwasher and dishes - automatic dishwashing detergent; Europe
Cleaning products and household care; Europe
children; Europe; Personal care
children; Europe; Personal care - hair styling and care - shampoo
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate allowed in the EU?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate EU regulatory status: permitted. Maximum allowed concentration: 1,4-dioxane process impurity capped at ≤10 ppm per EU GMP guidance. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Sodium Laureth Sulfate do in cosmetics?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate functions as: Surfactant; foaming agent; primary cleanser. It is classified as a Surfactant in our database. CAS number: 9004-82-4.
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate used outside cosmetics?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate also appears in industrial chemical safety data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Sodium Laureth Sulfate have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Sodium Laureth Sulfate is classified GHS Danger (H315, H318, H319, H412) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics at max 1,4-dioxane process impurity capped at ≤10 ppm per EU GMP guidance.
Compliance Tools
Check Sodium Laureth Sulfate compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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