sodium lauryl sulfate

sodium lauryl sulfate

sodium lauryl sulfate

Bursting the Bubble on Surfactants

Surfactants are a necessary ingredient when it comes to having clean skin and hair. Sufactants are one of the known ingredients that can also cause dryness and skin irritation due to the nature of how they work. Surfactants is an abbreviation for Surface Active Tension Agent. They work by lowering the surface tension and allowing dirt and grease to be removed.

One of the most common surfactants used is Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. It is also the benchmark for irritancy for all other surfactants. Like the majority of surfacts available, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate also is derived from a natural source...coconut. So it is a naturally derived ingredient.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is used because it is a very effective degreaser and is also dirt cheap to buy. You are looking at a commercial cost of about $3.00 AUS per kg to purchase versus some of the more natural surfactants which are $17.00 per kg.

Many companies use scare mongering to suggest that SLS causes cancer. Both the CTFA (Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association) and the American Cancer Council have stated this is nothing more than an urban myth, a view confirmed by toxicology research(1) The protest from natural and toxic free companies comes from the fact that SLS can be contaminated with 1,4 Dioxane, a probable human carcinogen.

Let's however puts this in perspective. SLS contains parts per thousand to parts per million of 1,4 Dioxane. A very small percentage. A daily consumption of 1gram per day over a lifetime increases the risk of cancer to 1 in 3000.(2) You are unlikely to every accumulate a rate of 1gram per day. Such an intake would be correspond to eating litres of Sodium Lauryl Sulphate on a daily basis. Considering SLS is not meant for consumption this is an event that is unlikely to occur.

Even the Cosmetic Safety Data Base gives SLS a safety rating of 2 which is a mild risk.

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ingredient.php?ingred06=706110

There concern lies with animal studies which have shown possible detriment. You will know though if you have read my post on "Are Organic Cosmetics Better" that animal studies are not a reliable indicator of safety. There is not one human study showing detrimental effects besides skin irritation.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine which is a natural surfactant also derived from coconut has been shown to have human studies which show concern. It is rated as a moderate hazard, with a rating of 5. Yet we as mothers freely use these products on our children. Natural companies frequently use Cocamidopropyl Betaine and imply it is safe because it is natural. Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a known HUMAN (not animal) immune system toxicant. Yet you never see anyone maligning or saying it is BAD. Why is this so?

I will tell you the reason. It does not suit their agenda of what they are trying to sell you...So they only tell you what they want you to know. Ignorance is Bliss after all isn't it.

The surfactant that is the best is the one you do not break out with a rash or get dry skin with.  Happy hunting because that is different for every person.  For me it is Sodium Lauryl Sarcosinate, one of the gentlest surfactants on the market.

1. Rumour: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Causes Cancer. The Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association. 13, October 2000.

2. 1,4 Dioxane. Hazard Summary Environmental Protection Agency. January 2000.

TOXIC INGREDIENT SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) FOUND IN SKIN, HAIR, & PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS


Jason Natural Cosmetics Smoothing Shampoo, Grapefruit & Aloe Vera, 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) (Pack of 3)
Jason Natural Cosmetics Smoothing Shampoo, Grapefruit & Aloe Vera, 8.5 fl oz (250 ml) (Pack of 3)
Sale Price: $52.93
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Description

Lightly cleanses while smoothing all hair types. Paraben free. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate free. Pure, natural and organic. Relax frizz and smooth fly - aways with this gentle, plant - enriched shampoo. Aloe nourishes hair as fragrant citrus blend of grapefruit and lemon oils smooth frizz. No animal by-products or animal testing. Biodegradable. Certified organic. Made in USA.

Features

  • Coconut based surfactants gently cleanse to rid hair of daily residue and oil
  • Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein smoothes hair to eliminate frizz and fly-aways
  • Fragrant citrus blend of Grapefruit and Lemon Oils adds natural luster
  • Paraben and Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate Free
  • No Animal Testing or By-products
Enjoy Sulfate-Free Hydrating Duo (Shampoo and Conditioner) 10 oz
Enjoy Sulfate-Free Hydrating Duo (Shampoo and Conditioner) 10 oz
List Price: $33.00
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Description

Create unbelievable smooth and silky hair. Eliminate frizz, moisturize and detangle without build-up. Gentle cleansers combined with a ph of 4.5-5.5 guarantees long-lasting hair color. Color Safe for all hair types. (10 oz shampoo & conditioner)

Features

  • Color Safe
  • For all hair types
  • Eliminates frizz
  • Results in silky & smooth hair
PRAVANA Keratin Fusion Revitalizing Shampoo 10.1 oz.
PRAVANA Keratin Fusion Revitalizing Shampoo 10.1 oz.
List Price: $17.00
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Description

Instantly and gently cleanse and condition hair in need of special care. Pravana's proprietary Natuceutical Complex provides added strength, shine and elasticity to even the most damaged hair. Special sunscreens help to block the damaging effects of the sun and protect hair color.

Features

  • Revitalizing Shampoo
  • Sulfate-free
Virgin Coconut Oil Bali SPA Natural Soap SHAMPOO BAR : Infused Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood essential oils : Handmade Organic Natural Cleanser Moisturizer & Revitalizer : Sensual Calm : 4.25 oz (120 gm)
Virgin Coconut Oil Bali SPA Natural Soap SHAMPOO BAR : Infused Ylang-Ylang, Sandalwood essential oils : Handmade Organic Natural Cleanser Moisturizer & Revitalizer : Sensual Calm : 4.25 oz (120 gm)
List Price: $12.00
Sale Price: $6.99
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Description

PRODUCT:* Shampoo bar, natural and organic certified ingredients. * 100 % Virgin Coconut Oil, infused with essential botanical oils of ylang-ylang and sandalwood. * No harsh preservatives, no harmful chemicals. * Free of sodium lauryl or laureth sulfate. * No synthetic fragrances or colors. * No excessive packaging, only paper label * 100% vegetarian ingredients.SOAP MAKING METHOD:* Handcrafted, slow cold process with finished bar in 2 to 6 weeks. * ph-balanced * All non-comedogenic oils (non-pore clogging), no toxic transfats, skin patch tested on human volunteers. * No animal testing. * Dermatologists approved.

Features

  • Manila Coco TM - VCO Soap - A handmade shampoo bar crafted of Manila Cocos certified Organic Food Grade 100% Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) with infused natural botanical essential oils of Ylang-Ylang and Sandalwood. Natural and organic cleanser that moisturizes, soothes, and eventually restores hair and scalp as nature intended. ... resulting in an aura of calmed tension and increases sensuality.
  • PRODUCT BENEFITS : The whole shampoo bar has 3-way benefits for any type of scalp or hair : 1. Removes unwanted oils, dirt, skin particles dandruff, and other built-up contaminants, without stripping out so much as to make the hair unmanageable, while it soothes irritated scalp; 2. Revitalizes the natural scalp oil (sebum) that lubricates the roots, thereby, volumizes and shines the hair healthy lush. 3. Revives dulled space.
  • SOAP MAKING METHOD : By slow cold process, our proprietary soap making method by the House of Bali SPA allows the goodness of our natural ingredients to function in its full natural course, gentle and unspoiled manner. ... Unlike mass-produced commercial shampoos, with lots of synthetic harsh chemicals and preservatives harmful to the scalp and hair, our VCO shampoo S O A P technique is simplified ph balanced. Fats from edible Virgin Coconut Oil react with lye as the essential oils of Ylang-Ylang and Sandalwood are added at light trace as the mixture thickens, and steered until it is completely saponified. Extra glycerin (humecant) is retained as natural skin softener-moisturizer. Then, it is poured into molds and left to harden before cutting into bars. ... ... This system is so much artisanal that it takes about 2 6 weeks to settle cure a dry-rack batch. Yet, it goes through our modern GMP/quality control procedures to avoid contaminants, and later be ready for use. ... ... Reputable dermatologists approved all our oils as non-comedogenic : does not clog skin pores, but rather protects its natural scalp barriers and nourishes hair. No toxic transfats, non-hydrogenated; not-altered, not-fractionated but only virgin coconut oils and non-synthetic essential oils. In numerous skin patch testing, they have validated these oils on human volunteers of varying skin types, colors, and age-tones. ... No animal (lard/tallow) oils, no animal testing.
  • INGREDIENTS : Manila Cocos 100% Virgin Coconut Oil comes from organic nuts (cocos nucifera) and oil processing certified by Ecocert of Germany. [Not from copra-based, solvent-cleaned coconut oil.] It acts as emollient, super-moisturizer provides the bubbly lather as it cleanses hair roots and follicles, soothes and heals the scalp, and adds luster to hair. ... Our Ylang-Ylang Essential Oil (cananga odorata) from the flower plant is tonic : clarifies, cleanses as it soothes scalp irritation. ... Our Sandalwood Essential Oil (santalum album) from the tree is antiseptic, and also clarifies, cleanses and protects hair and scalp. Combined, these two elements relieve stress as the scents calm tension, lift negative moods and increase sensuality. ... ... As a base or carrier oil, we do NOT use olive oil because it is too soft, nor palm oil because it is too hard. Virgin coconut oil is just right for natural soap bars. We do NOT use a cocktail of other seed oils (castor, almond, avocado, jojoba, cocoa, shea) because these just replicate the cleansing and moisturizing functions of each other. ... not to mention the unnecessary added costs. Virgin coconut oil does a better job with a supper lather and milky creaminess to boot. In all, our House of Bali SPA Oils are certified non-comedogenic (non-pore clogging) by independent dermatologists, and skin-patch validated. Both essential botanical oils of ylang-ylang and sandalwood are certified non-synthetic, sourced from reputable overseas organic suppliers.
  • PRODUCT FORM ADVANTAGES : Our shampoo bar is perfect for frequent washing as it economizes. ... as opposed to spill-bound liquid shampoo in bottles. Its solid form gradually dissolves to allow its ingredient phyto-nutrients and antiseptics to function fully, and the healing of the impaired scalp hair to take place with time. It fits the palm grip for easy scrub and much more convenient than messing about with bottles and pumps. This shampoo bar is not for the hurried individual, although, it also suits well for those traveling, or off-home use in pool, gym, sports club or camp with none of the excess throw-away packaging to pollute the environment.
J.R. Liggett's, Old Fashioned Bar Shampoo, Tea Tree & Hemp Oil, No Fragrance, 3.5 oz (99 g) 3 Pack
J.R. Liggett's, Old Fashioned Bar Shampoo, Tea Tree & Hemp Oil, No Fragrance, 3.5 oz (99 g) 3 Pack
Sale Price: $19.95
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Description

Because it is not a liquid, each bar offers the approximate number of usages as a 24 oz. bottle of most modern shampoos.Made the Old-Fashioned way-by hand!Tea Tree Oil has powerful antiseptic & anti-bacterial properties that enhance our shampoo's abilities to effectively tame dermatitis, itchy-flaky-scalp conditions, and may also stimulate hair growth. Hemp Oil contains a combination of essential fatty acids that supply your hair's acute nutritional needs.Almond Oil provides the important moisturizing healthy hair requires.Earth Friendly User FriendlyNo animal testing, No preservatives No animal products 100% bio-degradable Pure 100% natural oils Thick luxurious lather Rinses out clean & easily Gives body & manageability Money back guarantee Great for backpacking and traveling!

Features

  • Biodegradable Packaging
  • Tea Tree & Hemp Oil
  • Healthy, Beautiful, Clean Hair
  • No Fragrance
  • New 100% Corn Based
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Smooth Shampoo, 8.5-Fluid Ounce
L'Oreal Paris EverPure Smooth Shampoo, 8.5-Fluid Ounce
List Price: $6.99
Sale Price: $5.57
You save: $1.42 (20%)
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Description

EverPure Smooth Shampoo

Features

  • EverPure Smooth Shampoo
Pravana Pure Light Sulfate-free Brightening Shampoo for Blonde Silver or Highlighted Hair 10.1oz(300ml)
Pravana Pure Light Sulfate-free Brightening Shampoo for Blonde Silver or Highlighted Hair 10.1oz(300ml)
Sale Price: $16.99
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Description

PURE LIGHT Sulfate-Free Brightening ShampooWhat is it?Pure Light Brightening Shampoo and Conditioner is the first sulfate-free cleansing and conditioning system formulated to instantly brighten and whiten blonde, highlighted, or natural silver/white hair. Pure Light's proprietary system of optical brighteners instantly eliminates unwanted yellow tones and off-casts generally associated with light blonde and white hair. Why is it different?Both Pure Light Shampoo and Conditioner contain Pravana's exclusive Naturceutical Complex UVA and UVB ultra violet inhibitors block the effects of the sun on the hair fiber and hair color. Human hair keratin amino acids, silk amino acids and wheat protein coupled with natural soothing botanicals provide vital and unique protection and strength. Pure Light Brightening Shampoo and Conditioner have a pH of 5.5 and are free of animal by-products and any animal testing. Who is it for?Pure Light Brightening Shampoo and Conditioner are formulated for any salon client with light blonde or white/silver hair who wants to achieve a brighter, whiter look. Clients with blonde hair who want to neutralize yellow tones DIRECTIONS : Wet hair, apply and work into lather, let act for 3-5 minutes. Rinse.SIZE : Net Wt. 10.1 fl oz / 300 mlSulfate-Free Shampoo Most every other shampoo on the market today uses either sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, or a similar sulfate-based surfactant as a primary cleansing ingredient. These ingredients are known irritants, drying to the hair and can aggressively strip hair color. While a few others may claim it, all PRAVANA shampoos are truly Sulfate-free. The result: hair color lasts longer, and without risk or irritation to the user.

Organic Pumpkin Seed and Avocado Face Scrub, Unscented
Organic Pumpkin Seed and Avocado Face Scrub, Unscented
Sale Price: $30.00
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Description

Here is a scrub that exfoliates deeply yet gently and also nourishes the skin. It contains three different sizes and textures of exfoliating particles: ground pumpkin seed, finely ground avocado kernel, and Moroccan clay. As you massage the scrub onto the face, you crush the mineral-rich pumpkin seeds and release their potent nutrients. The avocado kernel particles clean out the pores and the fine Moroccan clay buffs the skin and removes dead outer cells. Doesn't contain soap or any fragrances. NT WT 2 oz.

Features

  • Contains organic raw wildflower honey from Brazil and prescious mineral-rich Moroccan clay.
  • 100% natural, biodegradable, non-toxic, and non-comedogenic (does not clog pores).
  • Vegetarian 100% cruelty-free - neither the ingredients nor finished product were tested on animals.
  • Contains no artificial fragrances, colors, preservatives, flavors, or hydrogenated oils.
  • Unscented. 60-day 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back.
Organic Geranium Cocoa Butter Soap, All Natural Handmade
Organic Geranium Cocoa Butter Soap, All Natural Handmade
Sale Price: $8.50
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Description

This geranium-scented powdery-pink soap is incredibly rich and emollient thanks to a high content of our superb quality, fresh cocoa butter. It feels as if you were washing with a sudsy slice of pure cocoa butter! And just like other Earthwise Beauty soaps, this one is natural, gentle, and safe. The bars are firm and hold their shape in a soap dish. NT WT 4.5 oz.

Features

  • Contains pure, unrefined, cold-extracted cocoa butter from Trinidad and organic geranium oil.
  • Handmade, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, preservative-free, and biodegradable.
  • Vegan and 100% cruelty-free - neither the ingredients nor finished product were tested on animals.
  • Contains no artificial fragrances, colors, flavors, hydrogenated oils, or petroleum derivatives.
  • 60-day 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back.
Aubrey Organics - Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo, 11 fl oz liquid
Aubrey Organics - Honeysuckle Rose Shampoo, 11 fl oz liquid
List Price: $9.98
Sale Price: $6.93
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Description

For Dry, Brittle HairThe sweet smell of success for your hair. Achieve ultra-softness an

Features

  • Does Not Contain: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Parabens or Petrochemicals
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