What should you know about SLS and perioral dermatitis?

Sodium lauryl sulfate, often shortened to SLS, is a cleansing and foaming ingredient found in some personal-care products, including toothpaste. Contact with the skin around the lips may cause irritation in susceptible people. Perioral dermatitis is a facial rash with small red bumps, dryness, burning, or sensitivity around the mouth; it can also occur around the nose or eyes. SLS exposure may aggravate irritation, but the rash can have other contributors, including topical corticosteroid use and skincare products.

The appearance can resemble acne or eczema. Avoid squeezing the bumps, because that can increase irritation and make the pattern harder to interpret.

Review toothpaste, cleansers, lip products, cosmetics, and fragranced products with a clinician or pharmacist. A trial of a gentle, SLS-free toothpaste may help identify whether foaming products are aggravating symptoms, while maintaining good dental care. Rinse the skin around the mouth after brushing and pat it dry rather than scrubbing.

Keep the routine simple and avoid adding several new products at once. A dermatologist may recommend topical antibiotic therapy or oral treatment when appropriate. Do not start, stop, or restart topical corticosteroids on the face without medical guidance, because they can alter this rash.

Arrange a medical review if the rash persists, spreads, repeatedly returns, or affects eating, speaking, or sleep. Seek urgent help for facial swelling, trouble breathing, eye pain, vision change, extensive blistering, or signs of a serious allergic reaction. A clinician can distinguish perioral dermatitis from infection, acne, or contact dermatitis.

Ask: Does this look like perioral dermatitis or contact irritation? Could my toothpaste or skincare routine be contributing? Should I change products gradually or immediately? Do I need prescription treatment? What should I use for dryness, and which facial medicines should I avoid?