What's in your shampoo

I received the following from a company I tracked down on the internet that seemed to sell great products ' Nature's Radiance". I thought it may be helpful to people:“WHAT’S IN YOUR SHAMPOO?”Shampoos are among the most frequently cited in complaints by consumers made to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is important that you are fully informed of the ingredients used in the shampoos you and your family use daily, as well as their effects.Generally, shampoos fit into three major categories at the retail level; these are 1) the basic, over-the-counter brands, 2) the more expensive, salon quality “fashion” brands, and 3) medically recommended brands. Most of the shampoos which fall under the first two categories, and even some of those found in category three are composed of about 40% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), 40% filtered water, and a medley of other synthetic ingredients, often including diazodinyl urea (horse urine), mineral oil (which is similar to a diluted form of turpentine), FD&C colorings, and artificial fragrances. Although each of these synthetic ingredients deserves a detailed analysis, we will focus on SLS as the primary topic for this report.SLS (also marketed as sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl sulphate), is a phosphate lathering agent added as an inexpensive way of reducing surface tension in liquids such as water or oil. SLS serves as an inexpensive “sudsing agent”, and is commonly used in engine degreasers, car wash soaps, and garage floor cleaners. It is also used as a major ingredient in over 80% of the over-the-counter and fashion brand shampoos. SLS is added not to get your hair cleaner, but only to produce thicker lather. Research on SLS at a medical laboratory at the University of Tokyo has determined it to be a “mutagen”, i.e., that it is capable of actually changing the information in genetic material found in human cells after prolonged use or exposure. For example, their studies have shown that SLS actually denatures protein, and human hair (and skin) are highly composed of protein.Furthermore, when SLS is combined with certain other synthetic chemicals, it becomes a “nitrosating agent”, i.e., it produces harmful nitrates which can be absorbed into the body at potentially unsafe levels with prolonged use. For example, when SLS is used in combination with Diethanolamine (D.EA) in most shampoos, the nitrate absorbtion yielded from just two, 8-ounce bottles is roughly the same as that produced from eating one pound of bacon! Our NATURE’S RADIANCE Formula #22 shampoo does not contain SLS or any of the harmful chemicals mentioned above, and it never will.