Potassium Lauryl Sulfate
Potassium Lauryl Sulfate is a strong anionic surfactant commonly used as a cleansing and foaming agent in personal care products. It effectively removes dirt and oil, creating a rich lather. Due to its strong cleansing action, it can sometimes be associated with skin dryness or irritation in sensitive individuals.
Surfactant
RiskModerate 1.5 / 4
Irritation i1.5 / 4
Risk of short-term irritation — stinging, burning, dryness, redness, or discomfort. Common for strong actives, acids, retinoids, fragrances, and harsh surfactants.
Sensitization i1 / 4
Risk of allergic contact dermatitis or immune-based reactions. Fragrance allergens, preservatives, botanicals, and some dyes may score here.
Systemic exposure i0.5 / 4
Whether it has meaningful potential to be absorbed into the body at levels that may matter biologically. Most cosmetic ingredients score low unless there is known concern or high exposure.
Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.
What it helps with
- effective cleansing
- strong foaming
Things to watch
- potential for irritation
- can cause dryness
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Potassium Lauryl Sulfate the same as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?
- Potassium Lauryl Sulfate is similar to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) in its function as a surfactant, but it uses potassium as the counter-ion instead of sodium. Both are strong cleansing agents that can cause irritation in some individuals.
