Go through all your cosmetics, creams, lotions, shampoos and toothpaste. If any of them contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), pitch them out. SLS damages your skin, hair and health.
This additive is definitely not good for our goddesses.
What is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)?
The short answer is it’s a cleaning agent. When it’s slightly chemically modified, it becomes sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) with the E standing for ether. Then it’s used as an emulsifier that gives some creams, lotions and shampoos that nice thick rich look and feel.
Some common synonyms for SLS include sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS, (Sulfuric acid, monododecyl ester, sodium salt), lauryl sodium sulfate, sodium N-dodecyl sulfate and Lauryl sulfate sodium salt.
What products contain sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate?
- Soaps
- Face creams
- Body lotions
- Toothpaste
- Baby creams
- Baby lotions
- Shampoos
- Toothpaste
- Salves
- Bubble bath
- Shower gels
- Facial cleansers
- Most anything that cleans is a suspect for SLS
- Most anything thick and creamy you use on your skin or hair is a suspect for SLES
Why is sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate bad?
SLS and SLES, either directly or indirectly by reacting with other ingredients have been associated with the following:
- Carcinogens
- Thinning of skin
- Hair loss
- Mouth ulcers (toothpaste)
- Eye irritation
- Skin rash
- Allergies
If it’s so bad, why hasn’t sodium laurel sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate been banned?
You’ll read all sorts of reasons that SLS and SLES haven’t been banned. The truth, according to the Journal of the American Cole of Toxicology, SLS and SLES are accumulative in the heart, liver, lungs, and brain due to absorption through the skin. The thought is that since such a small quantity is added to skin and personal care products there is no harm. However, when you consider the number of products that contain SLS and SLES coupled with their cumulative properties, one has to wonder what long term effects might be. A small amount of cumulative toxin in many products over many years can’t be good for your health.
A very important last word
For those of you with babies, take care when you buy creams, lotions and shampoos for your infants. You don’t want to expose them to SLS or SLES. Read labels carefully. You can easily create the skin and hair care products for yourself and your baby that will be perfectly safe and wonderful. After all, we have to all take care of our kids, they’re our future.
Now go have fun and relax.