What a 5/5 rating means
On the comedogenic scale, a 5 is the top of the scale — highly likely to clog pores when used at meaningful concentration. That means Sodium Lauryl Sulfate deserves attention if you break out easily, especially when it appears high on an ingredient list.
One thing the number cannot tell you is concentration. Ingredients are listed in descending order, so Sodium Lauryl Sulfate near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
It is a surfactant — a cleansing or foaming agent that lifts oil and grime. A harsh cleansing surfactant rated 5/5. Mostly a concern in leave-on products; in rinse-off cleansers its contact time is short.
On a label it can read as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sls, Sodium Laurel Sulfate — worth knowing when you scan an ingredient deck.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in makeup and skincare
It appears in cleansers, micellar waters, and makeup-removing washes. Its irritancy is rated separately at 2/5, which is low.
Lower-rated alternatives to Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
If you want a similar role with a friendlier comedogenic score, consider:
- Squalane — comedogenic rating 1/5 (Low risk).
- Niacinamide — comedogenic rating 0/5 (Low risk).