Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 5/5 — Very likely to clog pores
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a cleansing surfactant that lifts away oil, dirt and makeup. In cosmetics it is typically found in cleansers, face washes, shampoos and body washes. On a label it may also appear as sls.
| Comedogenic rating | 5/5 — Very likely to clog pores |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Likely |
| Fungal-acne safe | Yes |
| Category | Surfactant |
| Also known as | sls |
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate comedogenic?
Yes — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 5 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Sodium Lauryl Sulfate cause fungal acne?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Should you use Sodium Lauryl Sulfate if you're acne-prone?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Sodium Lauryl Sulfate away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate comedogenic?
Yes — Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 5 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Sodium Lauryl Sulfate cause fungal acne?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is generally considered fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe. It is not among the oils, fatty acids or polysorbates known to feed Malassezia yeast, so it should not aggravate fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) for most people.
Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate safe for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Sodium Lauryl Sulfate away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
What products is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate found in?
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a cleansing surfactant that lifts away oil, dirt and makeup, and is commonly found in cleansers, face washes, shampoos and body washes.
What can I use instead of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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