Sodium lauryl sulfate in supplements

“Whatever is going on in supplements?”

That question comes from an HSI member named Nancy who wrote to ask about a specific supplement ingredient that has her concerned. Nancy says, “I picked up a bottle of calcium citrate and looked at the label and found sodium lauryl sulfate! Since when is this detergent (known irritant and suspected carcinogen), which I pay good money to avoid in my body wash, shampoo, and toothpaste, approved for internal consumption? And why?”

The “when” is the easy question to answer: The FDA approved the use of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) on April 1, 2002.

Is SLS safe? That depends on whom you ask.

Various sources on the Internet claim that SLS consumption can lead to kidney and liver damage and even cancer. But according to other sources, such as The Berkeley Wellness Newsletter and The Washington Post, these claims are in error and are considered to be a hoax or an urban legend.

SLS is a foaming agent that’s naturally derived from coconut oil. When it’s prepared for cosmetic purposes (such as shampoo) or for use in toothpastes, it’s formulated in a completely different manner and concentration than when it’s prepared as a detergent. The detergent form of SLS can be irritating to the skin.

Apparently there is no current evidence that SLS is toxic or contains cancer-causing agents in the concentrations permitted for human contact or consumption.

In the end it comes down to this question: Who do you trust? If you read the available commentaries about SLS and decide that you’re not comfortable using toothpastes or shampoos that contain it, you can avoid contact with it by choosing products that are SLS-free. But Nancy’s question serves as a good reminder: ALWAYS read the label.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

Sources:
“Food Additives Permitted For Direct Addition to Food for Human Consumption” U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, 21 CFR 172.822
“Sodium Lauryl and Laureth Sulfate in Shampoo” Whole Foods Market, wholefoods.com
“Ingredient Fact Sheet: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate” Tom’s of Maine, tomsofmaine.com