Alkyl Sulfates

Alkyl sulfates are a type of surfactant that helps mix immiscible substances, such as water and oil, and has the function of removing dirt. Alkyl sulfates also have the property of foaming when used with water and are used in various products such as dish detergents, laundry detergents, body soaps, facial cleansers, shampoos, and toothpastes. Alkyl sulfates used in our products are mainly sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), and ammonium laureth sulfate (ALES).

The safety of alkyl sulfates has been demonstrated by scientific agencies affiliated with regulatory authorities in many countries and regions. As a result, alkyl sulfates have been widely used around the world for many years. Alkyl sulfates can be irritating to the skin if they come into prolonged contact with the skin in high concentrations. To address these concerns, we formulate our products with appropriate concentrations of alkyl sulfates to ensure safety and effective cleansing action without irritating the skin and scalp. There are also allegations that it may be a carcinogen. However, until now, there is no clear scientific evidence of carcinogenicity, and it is not included in the list of carcinogens reported by professional organizations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), and the European Union (EU).

Kao complies with the laws and regulations of all countries and regions in which we operate. Additionally, we conduct rigorous safety assessments and perform a wide range of product-use tests based on the Kao Safety Standards^* , so that you can use our products safely. We continuously explore new scientific findings relevant to the ingredients we use and review the safety of our in-market products. We are committed to continuing to develop our products for a better customer experience and increased product safety.