Should you avoid TEA-Lauryl Sulfate? It’s one of the most effective surfactants out there. Translation: it removes even the most stubborn of dirt and grime.
But, it comes at a cost: it can dry out your skin (and scalp). So should you use it or ditch it with something gentler? Let’s find out:
What Is TEA-Lauryl Sulfate?
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, the triethanolamine salt of Lauryl Sulfate, is a viscous and yellow liquid. It can derived from plants or made synthetically in a lab. You’ll often spot it in shampoos, body washes, face cleansers, and even shaving creams—basically, anything that needs to foam up and scrub away grime effectively.
This surfactant works wonders at breaking down oil and dirt. But here’s the real question: is it worth the potential side effects? Let’s dig deeper.
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What Does TEA-Lauryl Sulfate Do In Skincare And Haircare Products?
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is a cleansing agent.
If you’ve ever tried to wash a greasy pan with water alone, you know it doesn’t work. You scrub, scrub, scrub, but the grease stubbornly sticks to the pan. It just won’t budge.
That’s cos oil and water don’t mix. They’re incompatible. You need a third party to help them get along and collaborate. That’s where TEA-Lauryl Sulfate comes in.
This surfactant acts as an emulsifier, helping water mix with oil and dirt so they can easily be rinsed away. It’s the science behind that satisfying clean feeling you get after using your favorite foaming cleansers or shampoos. No harsh scrubbing. No pain. Just clean skin (and hair).
Its foam-boosting properties also make it popular in many products. That luxurious lather we associate with effective cleansing? TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is often the reason behind it. For people who love the “squeaky clean” feeling, this ingredient delivers in spades.
Is TEA-Lauryl Sulfate Safe For Skin And Hair?
Here’s the deal: all surfactants have the potential to be drying. If you want to remove dirt and grime, you can’t be too gentle, or you won’t do the job. But some surfactants are harsher than others.
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is one of the harsher options and can be particularly drying—especially when it’s the primary cleansing agent in a product. Think of it like the bulldozer of cleansers: highly effective, but not exactly gentle.
If you have oily skin or hair, you might tolerate TEA-Lauryl Sulfate better, but it’s still essential the formulation includes other moisturizing agents to balance out its effects. For anyone with sensitive or dry skin, though? It’s often best to steer clear. Dry patches and irritation aren’t worth it.
P.S. Don’t get this stuff in your eyes. It’s irritating.
Does It Have Any Side Effects?
Like most strong surfactants, TEA-Lauryl Sulfate has its downsides. Prolonged use can strip your skin and hair of their natural oils, leaving them dry and irritated. It’s like over-washing your favorite sweater—eventually, it’ll lose its softness.
f you already struggle with dryness, redness, or sensitivity, this ingredient can make those issues worse. And for color-treated hair? Forget it. Its powerful cleansing action can lead to faster color fading. If you’ve invested in a salon-fresh hue, this ingredient isn’t your best friend.
The good news? TEA-Lauryl Sulfate isn’t that common these days. We have alternatives, and most brands use them. Phew! If you come across a cleanser with this surfactant, make sure it’s not the only surfactant there. Also, the farther down the ingredient list it is, the better.
Even then, if you have dry or sensitive skin, it may be best to avoid TEA-Lauryl Sulfate completely.
Related: Best Cleansers For Dry Skin
Alternatives To TEA-Lauryl Sulfate
If you’re wary of the drying effects of TEA-Lauryl Sulfate, here are some gentler alternatives to look for in your skincare and haircare products:
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine: A mild surfactant derived from coconut oil. It’s one of the most commonly used in cleansers, shampoos, and body washes.
- Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate: A sulfate-free option that provides a gentle cleanse without stripping natural oils.
- Decyl Glucoside: A plant-based surfactant that’s biodegradable and great for sensitive skin.
The Bottom Line
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate is an effective, but harsh surfactant that can cleanse skin and hair, removing all traces of dirt and oil. But it can be drying and irritating. Use it carefully!
thanks for this! I am honestly enjoying your “Know your ingredients” post 🙂 really helpful!
Thank you Nikki, I’m really glad that you find these posts helpful 🙂
I agree with Nikki. Great tips!
…and by “tips” of course I meant to say “information”. *Doh* For my next trick, I’ll prove that typing at 3 a.m. is hazardous to your health… 😉
Thanks, I’m glad you like these posts too.
And that’s ok, I make a lot of mistakes like that when I wite late at night, which is something that I shouldn’t really be allowed to do lol
If TEA is used in all products, what percentage would also be a question to ask, cause we don’t seem to have an alternative? Help
Catherine, TEA is used in a lot, but not all, products so if you want to avoid using this ingredient you can. TEA is considered to be safe in concentrations up to 10.5% but in most products is used at much less doses (1-2%).
Thanks for this post. I got sent the new QV gentle shampoo to trial, and was wondering about the TEA Lauryl Sulfate in it.
Jen, I’m glad this post helped you. 🙂
Hello,
I’m a little upset as I was reviewing a new skin line (TEA-Lauryl Sulfate (Eleven Skin).
They claim to use great products from the sea (Which is wonderful if you are using the ingredients you say you are using)
However, the 2nd ingredients is TEA-Lauryl Sulfate.
Although this may not be “dangerous” to the skin it’s definitely not good for the skin
It’s my understanding no type of sulfate is.
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Thanks for the great site too!
Mary
Mary, it really depends on the type of sulfate. Some are harsh, while others are gentle. Basically, sulfates are used to cleanse skin because they allow water to mix with oil and dirt so that they can be rinsed away. Anything that cleanses skin can’t be too gentle or it wouldn’t remove anything! On the other hand, you don’t even want anything too harsh that will strip too much of the skin’s natural oil, causing dryness and irritation. Sodium Laureth Sulfate for instance is one of the gentlest, and yet cleanses well. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, instead, is one of the harshest and should be avoided when possible. TEA Lauryl Sulfate is usually safe in small doses.
Hi there! Silly question but does TEA lauryl sulfate have actual tea in it. Just worried about stimulants such as caffeine
Michelle, there are no silly questions.:) No there is no tea here.