Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS ) and its cousin Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) have long been listed among ingredients that we naturals (and other such curly headed folks) should stay away from. I’m sure you already know the drying effects of these ingredients which are also found in dish detergent, soaps, and toothpaste.
But is that all you have to worry about when using these?
Apparently not. I found a few interesting and disturbing things about SLS and SLES:
- SLS may block the sebaceous hair gland that surround the hair follicle, according to some studies, resulting in damage to the follicle
- Both SLS and SLES are suspected of possibly being carcinogenic
- Both ingredients are cheap to manufactures of hair and skin products
- Through skin contact, levels of both ingredients can be found in the heart, lungs, and brain
- SLS may cause eye damage when in contact with the eyes and not removed completely
- High levels of SLS may penetrate the skin even in small amounts
- SLS is considered a skin irritant and is used to compare the skin irritancy of other ingredients
- Blacks and Hispanics have been found more susceptible to irritation from SLS, and the elderly subjects seem to have decreased susceptibility
- SLS is less alkaline than SLES, so it is often used in shampoos designed to be more mild and gentle
- Along with dry skin, SLS can also cause mucous membrane irritation and urinary tract infections
I hated to even mention the carcinogenic possibilities of these because people seem to roll their eyes now whenever something is outed a potential carcinogen because it happens so much. I only included it because all of the books/websites that I looked at except for one named these ingredients as definite or possible carcinogens. The one that did not was The Complete Beauty Bible which pretty much completely dismissed it as an internet hoax after consulting with someone who conducted a study on the subject.
It’s up to the individual to research ingredients thoroughly and make the right decision for yourself and your family.
References and articles/books you might want to check out:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in Shampoos: The Real Story
CRC Handbook of Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Excipients
Child Health Guide: Holistic Pediatrics for Parents
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks. Keep up the good information.
Thanks for the info.
That is so amazing for me! Thznx!
This is cool, I thought I was the only one searching like that. I was going through all the ingredients in my shampoo and found some very interesting things (amongst this one) Thanks