Ingredient · dataset v56
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and fungal acne
No known trigger
Why it's not a known trigger
A strong rinse-off sulfate cleanser; like other wash-off surfactants it has no record as a Malassezia growth substrate.
A known irritant at high levels for some skin; unrelated to lipid feeding.
Evidence strength
Judged neutral — no trigger evidence
Function
Surfactant
Also listed as
SLS, Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
Checked products with this ingredient (1)
Product types: Antifungal treatments
Antifungal treatments (1)
Related surfactant
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate — No known trigger
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate — No known trigger
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate — No known trigger
- C12-20 Alkyl Glucoside — No known trigger
- C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate — May trigger · Limited evidence
- Capryloyl Glycine — No known trigger
- Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside — No known trigger
- Cetearyl Glucoside — No known trigger
Sources
EU CosIng database — search the INCI name
Last reviewed: 2026-10-13 (dataset v56).
Questions
Does Sodium Lauryl Sulfate trigger fungal acne?
No known trigger: A strong rinse-off sulfate cleanser; like other wash-off surfactants it has no record as a Malassezia growth substrate.
Does Sodium Lauryl Sulfate feed Malassezia?
No known link: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is judged with no known trigger. One screened ingredient is not a product verdict — when in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Is this medical advice?
No. We screen ingredient lists; we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. When in doubt, ask a dermatologist.
Check a full list containing Sodium Lauryl Sulfate →
Not medical advice: we screen ingredient lists for potential triggers — we never diagnose, treat, or certify products. Dataset v56.