What Is Sodium Laureth Sulfate?

A 1983 Cosmetic Ingredient Review assessment describes sodium laureth sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate as cosmetic detergents that exert emulsifying action, removing oil and soil from the hair and skin. The panel said the two ingredients produce eye or skin irritation in experimental animals and in some human test subjects, that irritation may occur in some users of cosmetics containing them, that the irritant effects are similar to those of other detergents and appear to increase directly with concentration, and that they had not evoked adverse responses in any other toxicologic testing.

The FDA says 1,4-dioxane is not used as an ingredient in cosmetics but may be present in extremely small amounts, because it forms as a byproduct during the manufacture of certain detergents, foaming agents, emulsifiers and solvents identifiable by names containing PEG, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, -eth- or -oxynol-. New York State says its 1,4-dioxane limits are 10 parts per million for cosmetic products, effective December 31, 2022, and 1 ppm for household cleansing and personal care products, effective December 31, 2023.