What is SLS in Toothpaste? And is it Harmful?

What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a name that pops up frequently in conversations about toothpaste, skincare, haircare, and cleaning products. It is estimated that half of all cosmetic products contain SLS. But what exactly is it, and why has it become such a hot topic? Let’s delve into the details!

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a synthetic compound derived from natural sources, such as coconut oil or palm kernel oil, combined with sulfuric acid and other chemicals. Chemically speaking, it is a surfactant, which means it lowers the surface tension between ingredients, helping water and oil mix. This property is why SLS is widely used as a cleaning and foaming agent.

What Does Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Do?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a workhorse ingredient widely used in cleaning, personal care, and hygiene products. Its chemistry and functionality make it a go-to choice for manufacturers looking to create effective formulas. Let’s break down what SLS does and why it’s so prevalent. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a surfactant, which means it reduces surface tension, enabling water to spread and mix more easily with oils, dirt, and other particles. This property is crucial in cleaning applications, as it helps lift and remove grime from surfaces or skin.

Here’s what SLS contributes to your everyday products:

• Foaming Agent: One of the most noticeable effects of SLS is its ability to create a rich, foamy lather. Whether it’s shampoo, toothpaste, or hand soap, the foam gives users the satisfying sensation of thorough cleansing.
• Cleaning Power: SLS is highly effective at breaking down grease and dirt. That’s why it’s a staple in products like dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and all-purpose cleaners.
• Emulsifier: SLS helps blend oil-based and water-based ingredients, ensuring a consistent texture and performance in lotions, creams, and other formulations.

Where You’ll Find SLS
SLS is versatile and appears in a wide range of products, including:

• Personal Care: Shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, toothpaste
• Household Cleaning: Dish soaps, surface cleaners, laundry detergents
• Industrial Applications: Car wash soaps, degreasers
  

Why is SLS Used in Toothpaste?

In toothpaste, SLS serves as a foaming agent, creating the lather that helps distribute the product evenly across your teeth and gums. It also aids in breaking down food particles and plaque, making it easier to clean your teeth effectively. In toothpaste, SLS serves several key purposes:

• Foaming Action: SLS creates the foam that many associate with effective cleaning. The foam helps to distribute the toothpaste evenly across your teeth and gums.
• Cleaning Power: It aids in breaking down and removing food particles, plaque, and bacteria from the teeth and gums.
• Texture and Consistency: SLS helps maintain the smooth texture of toothpaste, ensuring it’s easy to use.

Is SLS Harmful in Toothpaste?

A study highlighted by Dentistry.co.uk explored whether SLS might irritate the oral mucosa in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive mouths or conditions like ulcers. While SLS is widely used and generally considered safe, some concerns have been raised about its effects:

• Oral Irritation: SLS can cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive mouths or conditions like canker sores. Studies suggest that SLS may exacerbate these issues by drying out the oral mucosa.
• Taste Alteration: Some users report a temporary change in taste perception after using toothpaste with SLS.
• Environmental Impact: As a synthetic compound, SLS has been scrutinized for its potential environmental effects during production and disposal.

Regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), generally regard SLS as safe for use in personal care products, including toothpaste, at low concentrations. However, individuals with specific sensitivities may benefit from using SLS-free alternatives similar to people who look for alternatives to fluoride toothpaste.

What Toothpaste Does Not Contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate?

If you're looking for toothpaste without Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), there are several options available that cater to sensitive mouths or those who prefer gentler formulations. 

Explore our natural toothpaste range and find the perfect fluoride-free alternative for a healthier smile. We offer a variety of options, including mineral-based toothpaste made with hydroxyapatite to help strengthen enamel, alongside other natural formulas that promote overall oral health without fluoride.

	RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste - 118ml - 1 month supply RiseWell Mineral Toothpaste is powered by Hydroxyapatite creating a formula that is clean, safe and incredibly effective at strengthening, remineralizing and protecting the teeth.
	DentaGain Natural & Sensitive Toothpaste - 75ml - 1 month supply DentaGain Natural Toothpaste targets histamine, sulphur, and mycotoxins to reduce gum inflammation, repair gums, whiten teeth, and reduce sensitivity. It binds and detoxes toxins that cause caries, plaque, and periodontitis for a healthier mouth.
	PerioBiotic Silver (Probiotic Toothpaste) Spearmint - 113g - 1 month supply This spearmint-flavoured toothpaste contains no fluoride, sulfates, or saccharin. It is also free of BPAs, parabens, synthetic colours, gluten, and synthetic sweeteners. Periobiotic™ Silver may help maintain dental and oral health and may support oral microbial balance.