The dangers of sodium laureth sulfate do not arise from its ingredients but rather from the way it is processed.This process, called ethoxylation, is intended to make sodium laureth sulfate more gentle for skin and hair application. It also produces a chemical contaminant called 1,4-dioxane. You will likely not see it in the ingredient list of your soap, shampoo and toothpaste, however, because 1,4-dioxane is not technically an ingredient. It is a byproduct, and according to the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, is therefore not required to be listed on product labels. Comprehensive exposure to the chemical is associated with several health risks.
Cancer
The website Healthy Child, Healthy World suggests that you may be exposed to 1,4-dioxane when using personal care products containing ethoxylated detergents, such as sodium laureth sulfate. These products include body wash, shampoo, bar soap, toothpaste and mouthwash. The agency also warns that 1,4-dioxane is moderately toxic if swallowed and is cited as a cancer risk by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Liver and Kidney Damage
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, studies suggest that exposure to high levels of 1,4-dioxane through ingestion, respiration or dermal contact may damage to livers and kidneys. The agency also states that exposure to very high levels of the chemical may result not only in damage to these organs, but death. Although this type of exposure is unlikely for most, it does pose serious occupational risks to people who manufacture and handle large amounts of 1,4-dioxane.
Eyes, Skin and Nose Irritation
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry says that people who were exposed to low levels of 1,4-dioxane vapors reported brief episodes of eye and nose irritation. Even though sodium laureth sulfate is processed so that it does not readily irritate the skin, the resulting 1,4-dioxane has been associated with irritation, aging and separation of the layers of the skin.
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