The interaction of the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate with the stratum corneum (SC) of shed snake skin from Bothrops jararaca, used as a model membrane, was characterized qualitatively by FT-Raman and infrared photoacoustic (PAS-FTIR) spectroscopy, used as analytical tools. Surfactant solutions were 50.0 g x l(-1) and 2.34 g x l(-1) with treatment intervals of 4, 8 and 12 h. The employment of FT-Raman and PAS-FTIR indicated increased hydration of the SC with alteration of the tissue topography. The interaction of the SC with surfactant was increased by the tape-stripping process. The consequent exposure of the internal layers of the tissue intensified the effect of the anionic surfactant, indicating that this layer acted as an additional barrier.