FlavScents AInsights Entry: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (CAS: 151-21-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, SLS
- IUPAC Name: Sodium dodecyl sulfate
- CAS Number: 151-21-3
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: EINECS 205-788-1
- Molecular Formula: C12H25NaO4S
- Molecular Weight: 288.38 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Sodium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant with a sulfate group attached to a 12-carbon chain. Its structure contributes to its ability to lower surface tension, making it effective in formulations requiring foaming and emulsification.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Sodium lauryl sulfate is not typically used for its sensory properties in flavors or fragrances. It is primarily a surfactant and does not contribute a significant odor or flavor profile. However, in high concentrations, it may impart a slight soapy taste, which is generally undesirable in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Sodium lauryl sulfate is not naturally occurring. It is synthesized through the sulfation of lauryl alcohol, which can be derived from either petroleum or coconut oil. This synthetic origin means it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Sodium lauryl sulfate is not commonly used as a flavoring agent due to its surfactant properties. However, it may be present in flavor systems as a processing aid or to enhance the solubility of certain flavor compounds. Typical use levels in food are minimal, often below 10 ppm, primarily for technical effects rather than flavor contribution. It is stable under a wide range of pH and temperatures, but care should be taken to avoid concentrations that could impart off-flavors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, sodium lauryl sulfate is used as a surfactant and emulsifier rather than for its scent. It helps in the dispersion of fragrance oils in aqueous systems, contributing to the stability and homogeneity of the product. It does not have a significant impact on the fragrance profile itself.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Sodium lauryl sulfate is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and cosmetics by the FDA.
- European Union: It is permitted under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for use in food and cosmetics.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with the EU, allowing its use in similar contexts.
- Asia: Widely accepted in Japan and China for use in cosmetics and food, subject to specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally permitted in Brazil and other MERCOSUR countries, with usage guidelines similar to those in the US and EU.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Sodium lauryl sulfate has a low acute oral toxicity. The acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but it is considered safe at low concentrations in food.
- Dermal Exposure: It can cause skin irritation and sensitization at higher concentrations, which is relevant for its use in personal care products.
- Inhalation Exposure: Inhalation of aerosols containing sodium lauryl sulfate can cause respiratory irritation. Occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Sodium lauryl sulfate is valued for its surfactant properties, aiding in the solubilization and stabilization of formulations. It synergizes well with other surfactants to enhance foaming and emulsification. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to cause irritation and its soapy taste at higher concentrations, which can be a pitfall in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on sodium lauryl sulfate is well-established, with extensive documentation on its safety and usage. Industry practices are consistent, though some undocumented variations in formulation use exist. Regulatory guidelines are clear, but formulators should remain aware of concentration limits to avoid adverse effects.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-05-21 07:04:57 GMT (p2)
