murphyTEA-Lauryl Sulfate
AKA: TRIETHANOLAMINE LAURYL SULFATE, 139-96-8, Drene, Texapon TH, Tea lauryl sulfate, Sterling wat, Sulfetal lt, Standapol T, Propaste T
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from coconut or palm kernel oil fatty alcohols and sulfuric acid through chemical synthesis. Produced by sulfating lauryl alcohol followed by neutralization with triethanolamine.
tris(2-Hydroxyethyl)ammonium dodecylsulphate
Formula
C18H41NO7S
Mol. Weight
415.60
CAS #
139-96-8
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Foaming
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Removes Impurities
Creates Lather
Cleansing Surfactant
Emulsifier
Removes dirt and impurities
Creates cleansing foam
Lifts away dirt and oil
Mixes oil and water
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
8 studies / 8 not sensitizing (CIR 235 and 594)
Not Phototoxic
Human test and Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 235 and 594)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
11 studies / 6 irritating / 3 mixed / 2 not irritating / reactions minimal to severe (CIR 235 and 594)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
26 studies / 17 irritating / 3 mixed / 6 not irritating / reactions minimal to strong (CIR 235 and 594)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0009–8%
Rinse-off0.0009–40%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2013
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR