TEA-Lauryl Sulfate
An anionic sulfate surfactant. It cleanses with rich foam; at high levels it dries skin. Moderate tolerance.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is an anionic sulfate surfactant neutralized with triethanolamine. In cleansers and shampoos it builds dense foam and clears oil and product residue effectively. This is a functional cleansing ingredient, not a skincare active. It does not hydrate or improve wrinkles or tone; its purpose is to wash skin and hair. For topical use it has no systemic relevance, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is moderate. Irritation and allergy potential are low, but harshness is moderate and at high levels it can dry the skin. Those with dry or reactive skin do better choosing formulas where it is not the dominant surfactant. This is a secondary or tertiary amine. With nitrosating preservatives (bronopol and similar) or their impurities it can form carcinogenic nitrosamines, so that pairing in a formula is undesirable. On its own, without a nitrosating agent, the nitrosamine concern does not apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is TEA-Lauryl Sulfate safe during pregnancy?
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is TEA-Lauryl Sulfate for?
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is TEA-Lauryl Sulfate and what does it do in cosmetics?
An anionic sulfate surfactant.
What's the INCI name for TEA-Lauryl Sulfate?
The INCI name is TEA-Lauryl Sulfate.
See TEA-Lauryl Sulfate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
TEA-Sulfate, Terpineol, Terpinolene, Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes, Caprylic Acid, Glucose Oxidase, p-Anisic Acid, Potassium Sorbate
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