Aqua) Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Description
Surfactant; foaming agent; primary cleanser
Function
Properties
Regulatory Status
The most widely used cleansing surfactant globally, significantly milder than SLS due to ethoxylation reducing protein binding and stratum corneum penetration. Safe as used per CIR/SCCS. The critical concern is 1,4-dioxane, a probable carcinogen (IARC Group 2B) generated as an ethoxylation byproduct; New York State enforces the tightest US limits (≤1 ppm by end 2024), and vacuum stripping in quality manufacturing reduces residuals well below thresholds.
CIR assessed safe as used. New York State mandates ≤2 ppm 1,4-dioxane (Dec 2023) and ≤1 ppm (Dec 2024). California follows similar limits. FDA monitors dioxane levels in finished products. Vacuum stripping reduces residuals to <10 ppm in quality grades.
Ratings
Identifiers
No registry identifiers available for this ingredient.