Toxicity Summary
Identification and Uses: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLSU) is a white or off-white crystalline powder, flake, or powder with a slight odor. SLSU is commonly used as a detergent, dispersant, and surfactant. Pure SLSU is primarily used in toothpaste (a powder, paste, or liquid for cleaning teeth), shampoos, and emulsion polymerization. The remainder is used in specialty cosmetic formulations, such as bubble baths and hair bleach, or as a fine chemical, such as a denaturing agent in gel electrophoresis. In addition to pure SLSU detergents, manufacturers typically produce "technical grade" SLSU, which consists of approximately 70% SLSU and 30% tetradecyl sulfate. This product is commonly referred to as SLSU. Technical grade SLSU is primarily used as a detergent in dishwashing products, and also as an additive in plastics and latexes, as well as in paints and varnishes. SLSU is also a registered insecticide product—a flea and tick repellent in flea and tick shampoos for cats and dogs. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is also a common ingredient in many non-pesticide consumer products (including shampoos and juices) currently sold in the United States. It is also used in hydraulic fracturing to prevent emulsion formation in fracturing fluids. Human exposure and toxicity: The incidence of allergic reactions reached 54.6% in 242 patients with eczematous dermatitis. A significant number of allergic reactions to SLS were observed (6.4%). This study aimed to compare the effects of SLS-free and SLS-containing toothpastes (powders, pastes, or liquids used for cleaning teeth) on patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAS). While the SLS-free product did not reduce the number of ulcers or the frequency of flare-ups, it did affect the ulcer healing process and alleviate pain in daily life for RAS patients. Animal studies: Extensive studies of repeated-dose toxicity of SLS have been conducted. Tests ranged from subacute (28 days) to chronic (2 years in rats). Furthermore, the substance was tested in two different animal groups (rats and dogs) using two different routes of administration (feed and gavage). Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLSU) primarily acts as a local irritant to the gastrointestinal tract in animals. This study investigated the developmental toxicity/teratogenicity of SLSU in three different species. Mice and rabbits were the most susceptible species. Extensive genotoxicity testing of SLSU has been conducted. Bacterial assays and various tests in mammalian systems (in vitro and in vivo) showed no signs of genotoxicity, regardless of metabolic activation. Published reports indicate that SLSU has low acute toxicity in mammals and no chronic toxicity has been found. Ecotoxicity studies: This study investigated the absorption, tissue distribution, and elimination of SLSU in carp. The chemical is primarily concentrated in the hepatopancreas and gallbladder. Systemic concentrations reach their maximum within 24–72 hours. Survival time decreases with increasing water hardness. SLSU has been tested for repellency against various shark species. At sufficiently low concentrations, it fails to elicit a repellent response in sharks and therefore cannot function effectively as a classic, circumferential cloud-like repellent. However, its range of effectiveness allows it to be used as a targeted repellent.

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Toxicity Data
LC50 (Rat)> 3,900 mg/m3/1h

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Interactions
Allergic reactions to fragrance chemicals are a growing concern. Multisensitization may be a phenotype of increased susceptibility to contact sensitization. The factors leading to multisensitization remain largely unclear. Identifying these risk factors is crucial for future research into the etiology of contact sensitization. To investigate whether increased skin irritation is a risk factor for multisensitization to fragrance chemicals, this study included 100 participants with a history of fragrance contact sensitization. Subjects received patch tests on their backs with 25 single fragrance chemicals and fragrance mixtures, and patch tests on their upper arms with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) at concentrations of 0.45%, 0.67%, 1%, and 1.5%. Interpretation of the tests was performed twice, on days 2, 3, and 7. Response to SLS was monitored by measuring transdermal water loss (TEWL). Multisensitization was defined as an allergic reaction to three or more non-cross-reactive fragrance chemical allergens. TEWL assessment showed that individuals with multiple sensitizations exhibited significantly higher responses to 1% and 1.5% SLS. This study found that enhanced skin irritation response is a risk factor for multiple sensitization by fragrance chemicals. Previous research has not explored changes in barrier dysfunction patterns and inflammatory molecular markers following repeated stimulation in naturally aging skin. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes in skin barrier function impairment and in vivo cytokine profiles after sequential stimulation with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and undiluted toluene (Tol) in aged and young skin. Four areas on the palmar forearm of healthy elderly and young volunteers (median age 63.9 years and 32.6 years, respectively) were sequentially exposed to 0.5% SLS and undiluted toluene in a controlled tandem repeated stimulation test; adjacent untreated areas served as controls. Skin barrier permeability was monitored by repeatedly measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL), capacitance, and erythema every 24 hours for 96 hours. Stretch mark cytokines were collected using a continuous tape peeling method and quantitatively analyzed using multiplex microbead arrays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Compared with younger skin, aging skin showed delayed and/or milder changes in visual stimulation scores, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), chromaticity a values, and capacitance. These changes were assessed using the corresponding changes (delta values) at each parameter and monitoring time point. In both groups, exposure to SLS/SLS, SLS/Tol, and Tol/SLS all resulted in decreased interleukin (IL)-1α levels, while Tol/Tol application resulted in increased IL-1α levels. Furthermore, repeated exposure to the stimulants decreased IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) levels, and the IL-1RA/IL-1α ratio also decreased. Our results indicate that, compared with younger skin, aging skin undergoes selective alterations in its cytokine profile and exhibits different skin barrier function kinetics after repeated in vivo stimulation with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and toluene (Tol). This study evaluated the effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SLS) on the efficacy of sodium phosphonoformate gel in treating herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) skin infections in mice. A single application of the gel containing 3% sodium phosphonoformate (administered 24 hours post-infection) had only a slight effect on the progression of herpetic skin lesions. Notably, the addition of 5% SLS to the gel significantly reduced the mean lesion score. The improved efficacy of the SLS-containing sodium phosphonoformate formulation may be attributed to enhanced epidermal penetration of the antiviral drug. In vitro experiments showed that SLS reduced the infectivity of herpesvirus to Vero cells in a concentration-dependent manner. SLS also inhibited the cytopathic effect induced by HSV-1 F strain. The combined use of sodium phosphonoformate and SLS produced a subsynergistic or subantagonistic effect, depending on the concentration used. Sodium phosphonoformate in phosphate buffer reduced the viability of cultured human skin fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. This toxic effect was significantly reduced when sodium phosphonoformate was incorporated into a polymer matrix. The presence of SLS in the gel formulation did not alter the viability of these cells. Using gel formulations containing sodium phosphonoformate and SLS may be an effective approach for treating herpetic mucocutaneous lesions, particularly those caused by acyclovir-resistant strains. The inactivation mechanisms of two protein-denaturing anionic surfactants—sodium dodecyl sulfate (SLS) and sodium N-lauroyl sarcosinate (LS)—on herpes simplex virus (HSV) have been evaluated in cultured cells. Results showed that pretreatment with surfactants inhibited the infectivity of both HSV-1 F and HSV-2 333 strains on Vero cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Compared to LS, SLS exhibited stronger inhibition of HSV-2 333 infectivity, requiring a lower concentration (4.8-fold lower) and a shorter time (2.4-fold shorter) for complete inactivation. No inhibition of infectivity was observed with surfactants when Vero cells were pretreated. LS prevented HSV-2 333 from binding to cells without affecting its stable adhesion and cell penetration rate, while SLS had the opposite effect. Both SLS and LS inhibited the HSV-2 333 strain-induced cytopathic effect in a concentration-dependent manner, likely by influencing newly synthesized viral particles that come into contact with surfactant molecules in the culture medium. Pretreatment of HSV-2 333 strain with specific combinations of SLS and LS concentrations synergistically inhibited viral infectivity and showed only a slight increase in toxicity to exponentially growing Vero cells compared to using each compound alone. Taken together, these results suggest that SLS and LS, alone or in combination, may serve as effective antimicrobial agents in topical vaginal preparations for the prevention of herpesvirus and other sexually transmitted disease pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). For more complete data on interactions of sodium dodecyl sulfate (6 compounds), please visit the HSDB record page.

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Non-human toxicity values
Rats: Oral LD50 1288 mg/kg
Rats: Intraperitoneal LD50 210 mg/kg
Rats: Intravenous LD50 118 mg/kg
Mice: Intraperitoneal LD50 250 mg/kg
Mice: Intravenous LD50 118 mg/kg

[1]. Pharmaceutical excipients - quality, regulatory and biopharmaceutical considerations. Eur J Pharm Sci. 2016 May 25;87:88-99.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (sodium salt) is a white to pale yellow paste or liquid with a slight odor. It dissolves in water, sinks to the bottom, and mixes evenly. (US Coast Guard, 1999)
Sodium lauryl sulfate is an organic sodium salt, the sodium salt of sodium dodecyl sulfate. It can be used as a detergent and protein denaturant. It contains dodecyl sulfate.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant, naturally derived from coconut oil and/or palm kernel oil. It is typically composed of a mixture of sodium alkyl sulfates, with sodium lauryl sulfate as the main component. SLS reduces the surface tension of aqueous solutions and is used as a fat emulsifier, wetting agent, and detergent in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and toothpaste. It is also used in creams and ointments to ensure adequate dispersion of ingredients and as a research tool in protein biochemistry. SLS also possesses some bactericidal activity.
An anionic surfactant, typically a mixture of sodium alkyl sulfates, with sodium dodecyl sulfate as the main component; it reduces the surface tension of aqueous solutions; it is used as a fat emulsifier, wetting agent, and detergent in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and toothpaste; it can also be used as a research tool in protein biochemistry.

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Pharmaceutical Indications
Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SLS) is used as a surfactant in shampoos and toothpastes. SLS has bactericidal activity against both enveloped viruses (herpes simplex virus, HIV-1, Sinderby virus) and non-enveloped viruses (human papillomavirus, reovirus, rotavirus, and poliovirus), but it has not yet been approved for use in this area.

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Mechanism of Action
Like other surfactants, SLS is amphiphilic. Therefore, it migrates to the liquid surface and aligns and aggregates with other SLS molecules, thereby reducing surface tension. This makes the liquid easier to spread and mix. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) has potent protein denaturing activity, inhibiting viral infectivity by dissolving the viral envelope and/or denaturing the envelope and/or capsid proteins.

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Therapeutic Uses
/Veterinary/ Foot-and-mouth disease virus is highly resistant to SLS, but transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGE) is sensitive to it. SLS has antibacterial activity (including inhibition of Candida and Trichophyton), and at concentrations of 2% and above, it can eliminate resistance and sex transfer factors in Escherichia coli. It inhibits the growth of many Gram-positive bacteria but is ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria.
/Veterinary/ Sodium lauryl sulfate is a flea and tick repellent in a registered insecticide product—flea and tick shampoo for cats and dogs. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) is also a common ingredient in many non-pesticide consumer products (including shampoos and juices) currently sold in the United States.
/Veterinary/ SDS can also be used as a humectant for certain oral and topical antibiotics and antibacterial agents (such as tylosin, sulfaquine, thiabendazole, etc.). It is widely used in ointment bases and as a humectant for certain insecticides and repellents. Additionally, it can be used in the production of clear gel shampoos.
/Treatment/ Approximately one-third of HIV-positive mothers will transmit the virus to their newborns, with half of these infections occurring during breastfeeding. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SDS) is an anionic surfactant and a common ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products. SDS is "easily biodegradable," has low toxicity, and is "harmless to human health." The maximum safe dose of SDS for children is 1 gram per kilogram of body weight. Alkyl sulfates (including sodium lauryl sulfate, SDS) have bactericidal activity against HIV-1 and HIV-2, herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), human papillomavirus, and chlamydia. This study hypothesizes that SDS treatment of milk can inactivate HIV-1 without significantly impairing its nutritional value and protective function, and may be an ideal treatment method for breastfeeding. The experiment was conducted at 37°C for 10 minutes. Protein content was analyzed using SDS-PAGE and the Lowry method. Antibody content and function were studied by rocket immunoelectrophoresis (RIE), immunoturbidimetric assay (ITM), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Milk cell hematocrit was also analyzed. HIV-1 infectivity was determined using the MAGI method. SDS was removed using Detergent-OutN (Geno Technology). SDS was quantified using the methylene blue-chloroform method. HIV-1 was inactivated at an SDS concentration of 0.025% or higher. In milk samples, both 1% and 0.1% SDS reduced HSV-2 infectivity. Detergent-OutN effectively removed at least 90% of SDS, with protein recovery rates of 80%-100%. PAGE analysis showed that the total protein composition in milk remained essentially unchanged. SDS treatment did not alter the fat and energy content of breast milk. 0.1% SDS could be removed from human milk without affecting milk hematocrit. ELISA of serum IgG (rubella) showed that it remained active in the presence of SDS and after SDS removal. RIE and ITM assays showed that the levels of sIgA, IgG, and IgM in breast milk remained unchanged after SDS treatment. Conclusion: 0.025% SDS can inactivate HIV-1 in vitro and HSV-2 in breast milk. SDS can be effectively removed from milk samples. SDS treatment did not significantly alter the protein content of milk. Antibody function in serum and antibody levels in breast milk were maintained after SDS treatment and removal. 0.1% SDS did not change the fat concentration in cow's milk, and the energy content remained unchanged. SDS or related compounds may be used to prevent breast milk transmission of HIV-1.
/EXPL THER/ Broad-spectrum vaginal antimicrobials must be effective against a variety of sexually transmitted disease pathogens and have minimal toxicity to vaginal epithelial cells, including vaginal keratinocytes. /This study/ evaluated the sensitivity of primary human vaginal keratinocytes to the potential topical vaginal antimicrobials nonoxynol-9 (N-9), C31G, and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). Direct immunofluorescence and fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses showed that primary vaginal keratinocytes expressed epithelial cell-specific keratins. Experiments comparing the sensitivity of vaginal keratinocytes to each antimicrobial agent after continuous 48-hour exposure showed that primary vaginal keratinocytes were almost five times more sensitive to N-9 than to C31G or SDS. To assess the effect of repeated exposure to antimicrobials on cell viability, researchers exposed primary vaginal keratinocytes to N-9, C31G, or SDS three times over 78 hours. In these experiments, within the tested concentration range, cells were significantly more sensitive to lower concentrations of C31G than to N-9 or SDS. When a microbactericidal concentration was chosen that reduced cell viability to 25% after three consecutive exposures, cell viability decreased at the same constant rate with each exposure. When studying time-dependent sensitivity during a continuous 48-hour exposure period, it was found that exposure to C31G for 18 hours led to a decrease in cell viability, while this decrease was not observed with N-9 or SDS until at least 24 to 48 hours later. Overall, these results reveal significant time- and concentration-dependent differences in the sensitivity of in vitro cultured primary human vaginal keratinocyte populations to N-9, C31G, or SDS. These studies represent preliminary steps in constructing in vitro models of the vaginal microenvironment and investigating factors influencing the in vivo efficacy of topical vaginal microbactericides.

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Pharmacodynamics
SLS is an anionic surfactant. Its amphiphilic nature makes it an ideal detergent.

C12H25NAO4S

288.37

288.137

151-21-3

Sodium-dodecyl sulfate-d25;110863-24-6

3423265

White to off-white solid powder

0.25g/ml

206ºC

>100ºC

4.464

0

4

12

18

249

0

DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M

InChI=1S/C12H26O4S.Na/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-16-17(13,14)15;/h2-12H2,1H3,(H,13,14,15);/q;+1/p-1

sodium;dodecyl sulfate

NSC-402488; NSC 402488; Sodium lauryl sulfate

2934.99.9001

Powder      -20°C    3 years

                     4°C     2 years

In solvent   -80°C    6 months

                  -20°C    1 month

Room temperature (This product is stable at ambient temperature for a few days during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs)

DMSO : ~250 mg/mL (~866.91 mM)
H2O : ~100 mg/mL (~346.76 mM)

Solubility in Formulation 1: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (8.67 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline) (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of 20% SBE-β-CD physiological saline solution and mix evenly.
Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C，1 week): Dissolve 2 g SBE-β-CD in 10 mL saline to obtain a clear solution.

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Solubility in Formulation 2: ≥ 2.5 mg/mL (8.67 mM) (saturation unknown) in 10% DMSO + 90% Corn Oil (add these co-solvents sequentially from left to right, and one by one), clear solution.
For example, if 1 mL of working solution is to be prepared, you can add 100 μL of 25.0 mg/mL clear DMSO stock solution to 900 μL of corn oil and mix evenly.

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 (Please use freshly prepared in vivo formulations for optimal results.)