Effects of Several Kinds of Surfactants on Human Skin

Abstract

Effects of several kinds of surfactants on human skin were studied histopathologically. The surfactants were fixed with Finn-chamber on Scanpor tape at the normal site in patients with non-inflammatory skin disease before biopsy or resection, and the histopathological changes were observed. The results were as follows. 1) Sodium lauryl sulfate (anionic surfactant) has a strong affinity for the keratin protein. Reduction of the irritancy potential of SLS was noticed in a low concentration by the protective action of the horny layer. But in a high concentration (0.175 mole 5.0%), SLS gave a damage not only to the horny layer but also to the epidermal cells and the upper dermis. 2) Polypeptide fatty acid derivatives (anionic surfactant) showed no influence upon the skin. 3) Benzalkonium chloride (cationic surfactant) revealed a strong damage to the skin. 4) Polyoxyethylene lauryl ether 9 mole (nonionic surfactant) showed a slight alteration on the epidermis, but swelling of the endthelial cells and dilation of the vessels at the upper dermis were seen, it may be a sign of strong penetration of this surfactant. 5) 2-Undecyl 1-hydroxyethyl imidazoline betaine (amphoteric surfactant) showed a slight change only at the upper part of the epidermis. © 1979, Meeting of Osaka Dermatological Association. All rights reserved.