Sodium Laureth Sulfate
INCI: SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
Regulatory Status
For full compliance data across 55 jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
4 study endpoints found for Sodium Laureth Sulfate. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 50 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| LOAEL | 150 other | dermal | code:3484 | dermal | REACH |
| NOAEL | 50 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
| LOEL | 508 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | oral | REACH |
Sensitization Profile
Contact sensitization data for Sodium Laureth Sulfate based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.
Source: NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA
Expert Verdict
The most widely used cleansing surfactant globally, significantly milder than SLS due to ethoxylation reducing protein binding and stratum corneum penetration. Safe as used per CIR/SCCS. The critical concern is 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen (IARC Group 2B) generated as an ethoxylation byproduct; New York State enforces the tightest US limits (≤1 ppm by end 2024), and vacuum stripping in quality manufacturing reduces residuals well below thresholds.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate safe in cosmetics?
The most widely used cleansing surfactant globally, significantly milder than SLS due to ethoxylation reducing protein binding and stratum corneum penetration. Safe as used per CIR/SCCS. The critical concern is 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen (IARC Group 2B) generated as an ethoxylation byproduct; New York State enforces the tightest US limits (≤1 ppm by end 2024), and vacuum stripping in quality manufacturing reduces residuals well below thresholds. The EU classifies Sodium Laureth Sulfate as "permitted". Safety rating: MODERATE. 4 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
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.
What is the Margin of Safety for Sodium Laureth Sulfate?
adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
What is the NOAEL for Sodium Laureth Sulfate?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Sodium Laureth Sulfate is 50 mg/kg bw/day based on a oral study via oral route in rat. A total of 4 study endpoints are available. Source: REACH.
Compliance Tools
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