Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

1Identification

Name

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

IUPAC name

sodium dodecyl sulfate

CAS number

151-21-3

EC number

205-788-1

Molecular formula

C12H25NaO4S

Molecular weight

288.38 g/mol

InChIKey

DBMJMQXJHONAFJ-UHFFFAOYSA-M

SMILES

CCCCCCCCCCCCOS(=O)(=O)[O-].[Na+]

PubChem CID

3423265

Synonyms

Sodium dodecyl sulfate, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, Sodium dodecylsulfate, Sodium lauryl sulphate, Sodium dodecyl sulphate, Neutrazyme, Sodium n-dodecyl sulfate, Duponol C, Dodecyl sodium sulfate, Anticerumen, Duponal, Gardinol, Stepanol methyl, Stepanol wac

Recommended uses

• CIR ingredient: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
• Used as surface-active, emulsifying, foaming, wetting, and dispersing agent (emulsion polymerization, metal processing, detergents, home personal care products, foods, insecticides, medical preparations, and varnish and paint removers); Used in hair-dyes, electroplating (especially nickel and zinc), injection-molded explosives, solid rocket propellants, biochemical analysis, characterization of quaternary ammonium compounds, and toxicological testing; [HSDB] Used in many consumer personal care and cleaning products; [CHEMINFO]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Electroplating [Category: Plate] Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides) [Category: Paint] Farming (Pesticides) [Category: Industry] Dressing Hair [Category: Other] Metal Extraction and Refining [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• pH regulating agent Surfactant (surface active agent) Other Solvent Emulsifier Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Surfactant (surface active agent) pH regulating agent Opacifer Solvent Foamant Binder Cleaning agent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Preservative
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Surfactants · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern · Cosmetics -> Foaming; Surfactant; Emulsifying; Denaturant

Description

• Dodecyl sulfate, [sodium salt] appears as white to pale yellow paste or liquid with a mild odor. Sinks and mixes with water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Sodium dodecyl sulfate is an organic sodium salt that is the sodium salt of dodecyl hydrogen sulfate. It has a role as a detergent and a protein denaturant. It contains a dodecyl sulfate.
  ChEBI
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate appear to be safe in formulations designed for discontinuous, brief use followed by thorough rinsing from the surface of the skin. In products intended for prolonged contact with skin, concentrations should not exceed 1%.
  Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Danger

Pictograms

GHS02, GHS05, GHS07

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

6 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

Health hazards

• Inhalation of dust causes sneezing and coughing. Ingestion of large amounts causes irritation of stomach. Dust irritates eyes and may cause burns on prolonged contact. Contact with skin causes some irritation; continued exposure to water solution causes drying out and cracking. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• A skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritant; [ICSC] May cause allergic reactions and eye irritation; [HSDB] An eye irritant that may cause burns on extended exposure; [CAMEO] Found commercially as a solid (90-98% pure), paste (30-41%), or aqueous solution (28-50%); Solid is a severe skin and eye irritant, based on animal studies; Solutions cause irritation that increase with concentration; Not a skin sensitizer; [CHEMINFO] An eye and mild skin irritant; [eChemPortal: ERMA] An irritant; [MSDSonline]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Sore throat. Cough.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Advice for firefighters: Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary. Further information: Use water spray to cool unopened containers.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Carbon oxides, Sulphur oxides, Sodium oxides
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into covered containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Environmental precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided. Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Sweep up and shovel. Contain spillage, and then collect with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wetbrushing and place in container for disposal according to local regulations. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal. Contain spillage, pick up with an electrically protected vacuum cleaner or by wet-brushing and transfer to a container for disposal according to local regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Separated from strong oxidants and strong acids. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. hygroscopic
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Protective gloves; dust mask or face shield (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Eye/face protection: Face shield and safety glasses. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate government standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Body Protection: Complete suit protecting against chemicals, Flame retardant antistatic protective clothing, The type of protective equipment must be selected according to the concentration and amount of the dangerous substance at the specific workplace
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• Salts, basic, such as DODECYL SULFATE, [SODIUM SALT], are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of the bases in reactivity group 10 (Bases) and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Insoluble in water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Conditions to avoid: Heat, flames and sparks. Extremes of temperature and direct sunlight. Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Chemical stability

• Stable under recommended storage conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Long-term exposure effects

• Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 12 of the supplier's SDS.

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Product: Burn in a chemical incinerator equipped with an afterburner and scrubber but exert extra care in igniting as this material is highly flammable. Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

Not available in the public sources we compile. Check Section 14 of the supplier's SDS.

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Residues of the following chemical substances are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good manufacturing practice as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation, provided that the substance is applied on a semi-permanent or permanent food-contact surface (other than being applied on food packaging) with adequate draining before contact with food. (a) The following chemical substances when used as ingredients in an antimicrobial pesticide formulation may be applied to: Food-contact surfaces in public eating places, dairy-processing equipment, and food-processing equipment and utensils. Sodium lauryl sulfate is included on this list.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• The Agency has completed its review ... and has determined that /data are/ sufficient to support reregistration and, that sodium lauryl sulfate can be used without resulting in unreasonable adverse effects to human health and the environment. The Agency therefore finds that the product containing sodium lauryl sulfate as the active ingredient is eligible for reregistration.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Coatings may be applied to fresh citrus fruit for protection of the fruit in accordance with the following conditions: (a) the coating is applied in the minimum amount required to accomplish the intended effect and (b) the coating may be formulated from /sodium lauryl sulfate/ ... used in the minimum quantity required to accomplish the intended effect. Limitation: complying with 172.822. As a film former.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 3423265 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.