General review of SLS

SLS review

Carcinogenicity

SLS may not be carcinogenic when either applied directly to skin or consumed. A review of the scientific literature stated "SLS was negative in an bacterial mutation test, a gene mutation and sister chromatid exchange test in mammalian cells, as well as in an in vivo micronucleus assay in mice. The negative results from in vitro and in vivo studies indicate SLS does not interact with DNA."

SLS has however been shown to irritate the skin of the face with long and constant exposure (more than an hour) in young people.

SLS may aggravate skin problems in individuals with chronic skin hypersensitivity condition. In animal studies SLS appears to cause skin and eye irritation.

A tentative study suggested Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in toothpaste caused the relapse of aphthous ulcers, commonly referred to in some countries as canker sores or white sores. A clinical study comparing the incidence of recurrent aphthous ulcers during the use of dentifrices with and without sodium lauryl sulfate supported the findings of an earlier independent study which suggest that use of an SLS-free dentifrice should be considered for individuals who suffer from recurrent aphthous ulcers.

The clinical double-blind research suggests use of an SLS free toothpaste for patients with recurrent aphthous ulcers would significantly reduce this recurrence.

Also, SLS affects perception of sweetness. This effect commonly observed after recent use of toothpaste containing sodium lauryl sulfate.