Sodium lauryl sulfate

This detergent is found in beauty products such as shampoo, bath gel and cleansers and is used to help create foam or lather.. The chemical compound is a mixture of sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester and sodium, and in its pure state, can emit toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures.

Though the debate regarding the safety of sodium lauryl sulfate is ongoing,: On one hand it is thought to be fine when added to products in diluted form. Others are concerned that organ tissues such as the heart, liver and brain retain the chemical. In more extreme circumstances, it may have muatagenic effects on lab animals, as well as it can strip the skin of moisture due to its corrosive properties, can lead to cataracts if the eye is exposed to it for too long and can induce hair loss if it remains on the follicle for extended periods of time.

The worst suspected property of sodium lauryl sulfate is that it is believed to be carcinogenic, though it required interaction with ingredients that carry nitrogen, since it causes an oxidation reaction. However the Occupational Safety and Health Administration have classified the chemical as non-carcinogenic, for the time being at least.