US EPA

1752108 

Journal Article 

Effects of detergents on swelling of stratum corneum 

Putterman, GJ; Wolejsza, NF; Wolfram, MA; Laden, K 

1977 

0 

Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists
ISSN: 0037-9832 

IPA/78/285012 

Soc 

REF 17 

1977 

English 

IPA COPYRIGHT: ASHP Several surfactants were tested for their ability to produce in-plane swelling (increased surface area) of squares of guinea pig stratum corneum. Highest levels of swelling were observed with the anionic surfactants sodium laurate and sodium lauryl sulfate, while little or no swelling was observed with the few cationic and nonionic surfactants examined. Although swelling in laurate was shown to be reversible, work index measurements revealed an irreversible weakening of the tissues. To gain insight into the mechanism of swelling, the effects of protein denaturants and delipidizing agents were also evaluated. It was concluded that protein denaturants, per se, do not cause stratum corneum swelling, but that swelling is due to a reversible conformation change resulting from cooperative binding of the detergent. Stratum corneum swelling could be of value for studying detergent-skin interactions and for predicting detergent penetration of skin and possible subsequent skin irritancy. Surfactants studied included sodium laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, sodium oleate, lauryl isoquinolinium bromide (Q-75), stearyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and polyoxyethylene 23 lauryl ether (Brij 35). 

Detergents; toxicity; skin; effects; Surface active agents; toxicity; Mechanism of action; toxicity; Sodium lauryl sulfate; skin; Polyoxyethylene 23 lauryl ether; Brij 35