This inexpensive detergent is commonly used in cosmetic cleaners, hair shampoo, bath and shower gels, bubble baths.  It may be the most dangerous ingredient used in skin and hair care products.  In the cleaning industry, SLS is used in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps, etc.  It is very corrosive and readily attacks greasy surfaces. 

Sodium lauryl sulfate is used throughout the world for clinical testing as a primary skin irritant Laboratories use it to irritate skin on test animals and humans so that they  may then test healing agents to see how effective they are on the irritated skin.  A study at the University of Georgia Medical Collage indicated that SLS penetrated young children’s eyes and prevented them from developing properly, and caused cataracts to develop in adults.

SLS reacts with many types of ingrediants used in skin products and forms nitrosomines (nitrates). Nitrates are potential cancer causing agents.  Because of the alarming penetrating power of SLS, large amounts of these known carcinogens are absorbed into the body.

They are classified as a drug in bubble bath because they eat away skin protection and may cause rashes and infections.  Cleans by corrosion and dries the skin by stripping the protective lipids from the surface so the skin cannot regulate moisture.