- Comedogenic
- 5 / 5
- Irritancy
- 5 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Safe
- Type
- Surfactant
- INCI name
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Also listed as
- Sls
Who should avoid it?
Avoid in leave-on face products if you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin. It is usually fine on the body, in rinse-off products, or on very dry skin that does not break out.
Non-comedogenic swaps
| Swap to | Rating | Fungal acne |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerin | 0/5 | Safe |
Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate comedogenic?
Yes, it is pore-clogging. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate has a comedogenic rating of 5 out of 5. A harsh foaming surfactant that strips the skin barrier. In leave-on tests it also scores as highly comedogenic.
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate safe for fungal acne?
Yes. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is not a known Malassezia (fungal acne) trigger.
Does Sodium Lauryl Sulfate cause acne?
It can. Ingredients rated 3–5 are frequently linked to clogged pores and breakouts in acne-prone people, especially in leave-on products.
What are other names for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
On labels it can also appear as Sls.