sodium laurel sulfate

A few years ago I became aware of the dangers in chemicals used in every day products. Sodium laurel sulfate aka SLS found in shampoos and conditioners caught my attention.

Ok so lets go in depth:

Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant, detergent, and emulsifier used in thousands of cosmetic products, as well as in industrial cleaners. It is present in nearly all shampoos, scalp treatments, hair color and bleaching agents, toothpastes, body washes and cleansers, make-up foundations, liquid hand soaps, laundry detergents, and bath oils/bath salts. Although SLS originates from coconuts, the chemical is anything but natural. The real problem with SLES/SLS is that the manufacturing process (ethoxylation) results in SLES/SLS being contaminated with 1,4 dioxane, a carcinogenic by-product.

According to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews: research studies on SLS have shown links to:

• Irritation of the skin and eyes
• Organ toxicity
• Developmental/reproductive toxicity
• Neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, ecotoxicology, and biochemical or cellular changes
• Possible mutations and cancer

Becoming aware of all the harmful ingredients made me make the switch from those yummy smelling hair products to more safer ones. As seen in the picture is a brand I have been using (which I purchased from Whole Foods, it works fine and its affordable. 

Here’s to a healthier living.