Moderate Surfactant NOAEL Data GHS Classified SCCS/CIR Reviewed Sensitization Data

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE

Also known as: SDS, Anticerumen, Aquarex methyl, Carsonol SLS, Carsonol SLS Paste B (+14 more)

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (CAS 151-21-3) is a cosmetic surfactant functioning as Surfactant; foaming agent; primary cleanser. Reported NOAEL =460 mg/kg bw/day in Rat (ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted; GHS signal word WARNING. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data.

View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 151-21-3 →

Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
Surfactant; foaming agent; primary cleanser
Safety Rating
MODERATE

Chemistry & Identifiers

EC Number
205-788-1

Regulatory Status

EU EU Status permitted
US US Status permitted
US Notes CIR assessed safe as used. Not ethoxylated — no 1,4-dioxane concern. Gold-standard irritant control in clinical patch testing. TEWL elevated from approximately 23 to 77 g·m⁻²·h⁻¹ vs water-treated skin in controlled studies.

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 LAURYL SULFATE.

Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.

Toxicological Studies

1 study endpoint found for SODIUM LAURYL 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 =460 mg/kg bw/day oral Rat subchronic ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID

GHS Hazard Classification

Globally Harmonized System classification per ECHA C&L inventory and ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Cards.

Signal Word
WARNING
Pictograms
Excl markWarn
Hazard Statements
Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin Causes skin and eye irritation May cause respiratory irritation Toxic to aquatic life
Short-term Exposure Effects
The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
Long-term Exposure Effects
Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
Routes of Exposure
The substance can be absorbed into the body through the skin and by ingestion.

Safety Opinions

Official safety assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).

cir Number 7, 1983
Verdict: unknown

Sensitization Profile

Contact sensitization data for SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE based on clinical patch test studies and IFRA standards.

Sensitization Rate
moderate
Allergen Class
surfactant
EU Allergen Listed
no
Patch Test Positive Rate
3.5%
Cross-reactivity Group
none
Reaction Type
contact-dermatitis

Source: NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA

EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values

10 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).

Endpoint Value Species Route Duration Source
LOAEL =920 mg/kg-day Rat oral subchronic ECHA IUCLID
LOAEL <=600 mg/kg-day Rat oral short-term ECHA IUCLID
LOAEL >300 mg/kg-day Rat oral short-term ECHA IUCLID
NOAEL >600 mg/kg-day Rabbit oral - ECHA IUCLID
NOAEL >=500 mg/kg-day Rat oral - ECHA IUCLID
NOAEL >600 mg/kg-day Rat oral - ECHA IUCLID
NOAEL >=430 mg/kg-day Rat oral subchronic ECHA IUCLID
NOAEL =460 mg/kg-day Rat oral subchronic ECHA IUCLID
NOEL =100 mg/kg-day Rat oral short-term ECHA IUCLID
LOAEL =920 mg/kg-day Rat oral subchronic ECHA IUCLID

Sensitization AOP Dashboard

Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.

DPRA Cys %
-0.05%
DPRA Lys %
48.55%
KeratinoSens IC50
55.23 µM
hCLAT CV75
60 µg/mL
LLNA EC3
3.7%
NESIL
6207 µg/cm²
LLNA: Moderate (1B) GHS: 1B Human: positive

Source: LLNA: Montelius et al (1994) | Gerberick et al. (2005); DPRA: Bauch et al. 2011 [DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2011.05.030] | Natsch et al. 2013 [DOI:10.1002/jat.2868]; KS: Joint Research Centre of the European Union 2014 | Natsch et al. 2011 [DOI:10.1021/tx2003678]; hCLAT: Urbisch et al. 2015 [DOI:10.1016/j.yrtph.2014.12.008] | Sakaguchi et al. 2010 [DOI:10.1016/j.tiv.2010.05.012]; HPPT: [27] Kligman AM (1966): https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.1966.160

HRIPT Human Patch Test Studies

2 human repeat insult patch tests aggregated from dermatological literature.

Test Type N Sensitized Dose µg/cm² NESIL µg/cm² Potency
HMT - 0 6206.9 - -
OECD_DA_Human - 0 - - Non-sensitizer

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 (very weak, indirect)
LOEC: 1 mM
EU status: allowed

weak modulator (membrane disruption)

ECHA REACH Registration

European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.

Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
1,000 - 10,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No

Expanded Jurisdictional Detail

Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.

Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (1)
Jurisdiction Status Max % Product Type
AU restricted - cleansers

Typical Use Concentrations

Reported concentration ranges per product category from SCCS/CIR/industry sources.

Product Category Typical Range Max Reported Source
Shampoo 2–8 15 CIR (JACT 2:1983)
Toothpaste 1–2 2 CIR
Toothpaste (Oral) 1–2 2 CIR

Additional Ingredient Properties

10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.

allergen_detail
{"eu_allergen_listed": "no", "allergen_class": "surfactant", "patch_test_frequency_pct": "3.5", "sensitization_rate": "moderate", "common_reaction_type": "contact-dermatitis", "ifra_restricted": "no", "source": "NACDG; IVDK; ESSCA"}
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "151-21-3", "ingredient_class": "cleanser_baby", "pediatric_safety_rating": "avoid", "minimum_age_months": "3", "neonatal_safe": "no", "premature_infant_safe": "insufficient_data", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "AVOID: Harsh, irritating, disrupts lipid barrier; unsuitable for baby skin", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "high", "systemic_exposure_concern_pediatri…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "5", "acne_safe": "no", "source": "Strong irritant"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "2.0", "max_concentration_pct": "10.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "5.0", "product_type": "Facial Cleanser", "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,stearyl_alcohol", "optimal_oil_phase_pct": "2-8", "optimal_water_phase_pct": "92-98", "electrolyte_tolerance": "very_low", "pH_emulsion_stability_range": "5.0-8.5", "visco…
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…
sensory
{"silky": "light", "smooth, glides easily": "foaming, cleansing", "dry-touch, non-greasy": "clean, 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": "colorless", "excellent": "excellent", "light": "light", "synthetic": "synthetic"}
skin_suitability
{"oily_skin": "caution", "dry_skin": "avoid", "sensitive_skin": "avoid", "combination_skin": "caution", "normal_skin": "caution", "acne_prone": "caution", "rosacea": "avoid", "eczema": "avoid", "hyperpigmentation": "caution", "aging_mature": "caution", "dehydrated": "avoid", "skin_benefit_primary": "cleansing", "skin_benefit_secondary": "foaming", "mechanism_of_action": "Anionic surfactant, strong…

Function Categories & List Membership

Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Cleaning agent Emulsifier Flavouring and nutrient Flow promoter Foamant Heat stabilizer Plasticizer Processing aids not otherwise specified Surfactant (surface active agent) Thickening agent
Regulatory List Membership (3)
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics) EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL) FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)

Expert Verdict

Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE.

Regulatory Flags

sulfate barrier-disruptor irritant tewl-elevation clinical-benchmark eu_children_restricted epa_safer_alternative fda_food_additive

NOAEL Studies Summary

View details ->

Public NOAEL study rows linked to SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE by CAS number or substance name.

Studies
1
Lowest NOAEL
460 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
460 mg/kg bw/day
ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID

Known Synonyms

SDS Anticerumen Aquarex methyl Carsonol SLS Carsonol SLS Paste B Carsonol SLS Special Caswell No. 779 Conco sulfate WA Conco sulfate WA-1200 Conco sulfate WA-1245 Conco Sulfate WAG Conco Sulfate WAN Conco Sulfate WAS Conco sulfate WN Cycloryl 21 Cycloryl 31 Cycloryl 585N Dehydag sulfate GL emulsion Dehydag sulphate GL emulsion

Chemical Function

Surfactant (surface active agent)

Regulatory Lists

inert_ingredient; Pesticides Canada; consumer_product; Substances in Products - Canada (4/2014) Personal care; Southeast Asia active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Pesticides active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides

Australian Status

AICIS status: listed

Cross-Vertical Safety Context

Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.

SOURCE ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS DB_PHARMA CAS match

Pharmaceutical Data

Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.

Compound
SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL23393
Max Phase
3
View full pharmaceutical profile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE safe in cosmetics?

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE has a safety rating of "MODERATE" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted. 1 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database. This ingredient has been reviewed by cir.

Is SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE allowed in the EU?

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.

What does SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE do in cosmetics?

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE functions as: Surfactant; foaming agent; primary cleanser. It is classified as a Surfactant in our database. CAS number: 151-21-3.

What is the NOAEL for SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE?

The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE is =460 mg/kg bw/day based on a subchronic study via oral route in Rat. Source: ToxValDB_ECHA_IUCLID.

Is SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE classified as hazardous under GHS?

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE carries a GHS signal word of "WARNING". Hazard statements: Harmful if swallowed or in contact with skin Causes skin and eye irritation May cause respiratory irritation Toxic to aquatic life. This classification is based on the ILO/WHO International Chemical Safety Card and ECHA C&L inventory data. Note: GHS classification applies to the pure substance — at cosmetic use concentrations, hazard thresholds may not be met.

Is SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE used outside cosmetics?

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.

Does SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE is classified GHS Danger (H228, H302, H315, H318, H319, H332, H335, H412) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.

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