Baby Safety / Compounds / Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS)

Is Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) safe for babies and kids?

Context-dependent for kids

Infants are exposed to Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) through residues on laundered clothing, baby wipes, and bathing products. Immature skin barrier increases dermal absorption.

What is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (las)?

The IUPAC name is Benzenesulfonic acid, C10-16-alkyl derivatives, sodium salts.

Also known as: LAS, Benzenesulfonic acid, C10-16-alkyl derivatives, sodium salts, sodium linear alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium LAS.

IUPAC name
Benzenesulfonic acid, C10-16-alkyl derivatives, sodium salts
CAS number
68411-30-3
Molecular formula
C16H25NaO3S
Molecular weight
320.4 g/mol
SMILES
CCCCCCCCCCC1=CC(=CC=C1)S(=O)(=O)[O-].[Na+]
PubChem CID
57518580

Risk for babies

Context-dependent

Infants are exposed to Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) through residues on laundered clothing, baby wipes, and bathing products. Immature skin barrier increases dermal absorption.

Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.

What to do: Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

Regulatory consensus

1 regulatory bodyhas classified Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS).

AgencyYearClassificationNotes
EU——CLP: Eye Irrit. 2

Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.

Where kids encounter linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (las)

  • Laundry Detergent — Tide, Persil
  • Dish Soap — Dawn

Safer alternatives

Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS):

  • Alkyl polyglucosides (APGs) — plant-derived, very mild (e.g., decyl glucoside)
    Trade-offs: Consumer preference for 'natural' label; many natural fragrance compounds are potent allergens (limonene, linalool, eugenol); 'natural' ≠ 'safe'; often more expensive than synthetic equivalents.
    Relative cost: 1.2-2×
  • Amino acid-based surfactants (e.g., sodium lauroyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glycinate)
    Trade-offs: Extremely mild (pH 5.5-6.5); biodegradable; derived from amino acids and fatty acids; premium ingredient cost; excellent consumer perception; lower foam volume than sulfate surfactants.
    Relative cost: 1.2-2×
  • Sodium cocoyl isethionate (SCI) — low irritation potential, solid surfactant
    Trade-offs: Alternative surfactant; performance characteristics (foaming, emulsification, wetting) vary; biodegradability and aquatic toxicity should be assessed; formulation adjustment may be needed.
    Relative cost: 1.2-2×
  • Amphoteric surfactants (e.g., cocamidopropyl betaine) — milder than anionic types
    Trade-offs: Removes 95-99% of dissolved contaminants including metals, PFAS, nitrates; wastes 2-4 gallons per gallon produced (improving with newer systems); removes beneficial minerals; $0.05-0.25/gallon; requires pre-treatment for longevity.
    Relative cost: 1.2-2×

Frequently asked questions

Is linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (las) safe for kids?

Infants are exposed to Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) through residues on laundered clothing, baby wipes, and bathing products. Immature skin barrier increases dermal absorption.

What products contain linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (las)?

Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) appears in: Tide (laundry detergent); Persil (laundry detergent); Dawn (dish soap).

What should I do if my child is exposed to linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (las)?

Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.

See Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate (LAS) in the baby app

Look up products containing linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (las), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.

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Sources (1)
  1. ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 68411-30-3 — reference

Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →