SLS causes skin swelling differently than typical allergens or irritants—it triggers more skin cell growth but less immune system activation. About 20% of people react to SLS in patch tests, and this new research shows those reactions involve both your innate and adaptive immune systems, but not in the classic ways scientists expected.

Researchers applied SLS to mouse skin multiple times and tracked the immune response using measurements, imaging, genetic testing, and blood cell analysis. They compared SLS reactions to two other known skin irritants to understand what makes SLS unique.

Funding not disclosed in abstract