This is a very controversial area. Some people are trying to avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and similar surfactants (sudsing agents) because they've been told these are harmful chemicals that can cause a whole host of health problems. There are a lot of urban legends floating around about what these chemicals can do to you (everything from causing cancer to kidney damage). Most of these rumors are not based on any scientific fact. First of all, you should know what Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is. It is a foaming agent used in shampoos, detergents, toothpastes, etc. It is naturally derived from coconut oil (a natural ingredient). You will find it and its derivatives on ingredients labels under many different names. Pure lauryl sulfate is a coarse powder, and a very good detergent. All soaps and detergents can irritate the eyes, and coarse powders can irritate the skin. Therefore, rubbing pure lauryl sulfate on your skin would not be a good idea. In its pure form, it is an irritant. However, sodium lauryl sulfate has been used for many years in many different products intended for use on the skin (and even in the mouth) and is generally considered safe. It's used in most of the "natural" products you'll find because it is a very good foaming agent, has no taste is considered safe by most people and is considered "natural" by many. Many natural product manufacturers use this ingredient because it has been so widely used for such a long period of time and it does a good job.
Generally, we feel there is nothing wrong with using sodium lauryl sulfate in the amount it's used in the products we sell. For those with very sensitive skin, you may want to try to avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. However, there is a lot of bad publicity on the substance (and a lot of just plain wrong information floating around). Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a by-product of sodium lauryl sulfate and is even milder. However, for those who insist on avoiding SLS altogether, we do have alternatives for you
merisit
Members Profile
Send Private Message
Find Members Posts
Add to Buddy List
Newbie
Joined: November 13 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 67
I don't know about he cander or kidney damage either, but I do believe it can strip your scalp of oils, so I avoid it because there are other shampoos that do not contain SLS & SLES.
Life is a journey, Enjoy the ride.
Pokahontas
Members Profile
Send Private Message
Find Members Posts
Add to Buddy List
Member
Joined: June 16 2005
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 908
That was very interesting. Thanks for sharing. They make SLS detergents not seem so bad. I didn't know it was considered natural and derived from coconut oil. I mostly try to use shampoo's without sulfates in it.
Jazmynsgrandma
Members Profile
Send Private Message
Find Members Posts
Add to Buddy List
Junior Member
Joined: October 25 2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 99
Yolligirl - I'm not sure either. I guess I'll have to do more research on this.
Pokahontas - You are welcome. I didn't know that it was considered natural either, that's why I posted this on the board because I know you ladies are very knowledgeable about this stuff and if anyone would know, it would be you ladies.
They sound like they are trying to sell something. But really, I avoid SLS because its waaaay too harsh for my hair. The cancer thing really seems a little too far fetched, but when it comes down to moisture--it zaps moisutre clean out of your hair and thats a fact. You can feel the difference between an SLS shampoo and an SLS free shampoo. Yeah its a good detergent-- a little too good . . . and thats the problem. I use SLS strictly for clarifying--for weekly use its just to stripping. It may be derived from coconut oil, but the end result is far from the benefits of coconut oil.
Thanks for the info. It is also too harsh for my hair. My hair is extremely sensitive to moisture and it seems to soak it clear from my hair. I use to think that nice "squeaky clean sensation" was the best but my hair has done so much better without it. For some people and for some hair types it might be ok just like some people can use foaming cleanser on their face and some can't.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot create polls in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Topic Options
Post Options
Thanks(0)
[/ur
It may be derived from coconut oil, but the end result is far from the benefits of coconut oil.
