Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Synonyms: Dodecyl alcohol hydrogen sulfate, sodium salt; dodecyl sodium sulfate; dodecylsulfate sodium salt; Elfan 240; lauryl sodium sulfate; lauryl sulfate, sodium salt; monododecyl sodium sulfate; natrii laurilsulfas; sodium dodecyl sulfate; sodium n-dodecyl sulfate; sodium laurilsulfate; sodium monododecyl sulfate; sodium monolauryl sulfate; SDS; SLS; sulfuric acid monododecyl ester, sodium salt; Texapon K12P.

Description: Sodium lauryl sulfate consists of white or cream to pale yellowcolored crystals, flakes, or powder having a smooth feel, a soapy, bitter taste, and a faint odor of fatty substances.

Chemical Name: Sulfuric acid monododecyl ester sodium salt

Anionic surfactant; detergent; emulsifying agent; skin penetrant; tablet and capsule lubricant; wetting agent.

• Sodium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant employed in a wide range of nonparenteral pharmaceutical formulations and cosmetics.

• It is a detergent and wetting agent effective in both alkaline and acidic conditions.

• In recent years it has found application in analytical electrophoretic techniques: SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is one of the more widely used techniques for the analysis of proteins; and sodium lauryl sulfate has been used to enhance the selectivity of micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC).

Sodium lauryl sulfate reacts with cationic surfactants, causing loss of activity even in concentrations too low to cause precipitation. Unlike soaps, it is compatible with dilute acids and calcium and magnesium ions. Sodium lauryl sulfate is incompatible with salts of polyvalent metal ions, such as aluminum, lead, tin or zinc, and precipitates with potassium salts. Solutions of sodium lauryl sulfate (pH 9.5–10.0) are mildly corrosive to mild steel, copper, brass, bronze, and aluminum.

Adverse reactions to sodium lauryl sulfate in cosmetics and pharmaceutical formulations mainly concern reports of irritation to the skin or eyes following topical application.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Inhalation and contact with the skin and eyes should be avoided; eye protection, gloves, and other protective clothing, depending on the circumstances, are recommended. Adequate ventilation should be provided or a dust respirator should be worn. Prolonged or repeated exposure should be avoided. Sodium lauryl sulfate emits toxic fumes on combustion.

Cetostearyl alcohol; cetyl alcohol; magnesium lauryl sulfate; wax, anionic emulsifying.