Sodium lauryl sulfate, also known as sodium dodecyl sulfate, is an anionic surfactant with powerful detergency-boosting properties, characterized by strong decontamination, emulsification, and foaming performances. Chemically, it is an organosulfate and a salt, comprising a 12-carbon tail attached to a sulfate group. Being a negatively charged surfactant, its key functional role is to work as a wetting agent and reduce the surface tension of a liquid.

Other notable characteristics of Sodium lauryl sulfate are water solubility, biodegradability, resistance to alkalis, excellent performances in hard water, stability in a broad range of pH aqueous solution, and easy synthesis. On top of that are also availability and affordable price.

A broad range of SLS commercial applications include cosmetic, textile, paper, building materials, chemical, oil, and other industries. It can be typically found in the form of an emulsifying and cleaning agent in various household cleaning products, including laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, and spray cleaners. Its standard concentrations vary by product and manufacturer. However, the average intensity range for cosmetic products is between 0.01% and 50%, while its representation in cleaning products fluctuates from 1% to 30%.

Due to its potent antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, Sodium lauryl sulfate is suitable for inhibiting the growth of disease-causing pathogens. For that reason, its applications include mouth rinses, hand soaps, and a multitude of other care products.

Sodium lauryl sulfate disintegrates cell membranes by binding to the hydrophobic portion of membrane proteins and separating them. In high concentrations, it can destroy ionic bonds and hydrogen in proteins, changing their conformation. These features are often used in the pharmaceutical industry.

In the role of a processing aid for the food industry, Sodium lauryl sulfate is a common ingredient of cakes, beverages, fruit drinks, protein powders, edible oils, and others.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is considered a sustainable chemical compound. It features 100% biobased content with a low potential for bioaccumulation. The biodegradability of Sodium lauryl sulfate is over 90% within 24 hours, according to research. Once the process begins, it will rapidly break down into non-toxic formations.

In spite of the persisting controversy, toxicological data confirms that SLS is safe for use in cleaning products, as long as it is adequately formulated and dosed to minimize its irritancy potential. Due to its low bioaccumulation properties, Sodium dodecyl sulfate is unable to persist in the environment or become concentrated in living organisms.