Sodium Laurel Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an inexpensive detergent used in products such as shampoos, bath gels, cleansers, floor cleaners, carwash soaps, and engine degreasers. SLS is very corrosive to greasy surfaces. [Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a variation of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate that has a higher foaming quality, but shares many of the same characteristics as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.]

SLS is a tissue irritant. It has been used widely in laboratory testing on humans and animals to irritate the skin, so that other agents could be tested to see how they affect the irritated tissue. Because of its irritating affect on the skin, SLS is classified as a drug when used in bubble bath products. SLS actually eats away the skin and may cause rashes (which could lead to infection).

SLS may react with other ingredients in skin products, forming nitrosamines (nitrates; cancer-causing agents). Studies have revealed that SLS penetrates (with prolonged retention) deep into the tissues of the eyes, brain, heart, liver, and other vital tissues.

SLS cleans by corrosion. It strips away protective lipids from the skin. It is believed to attack hair follicles which can cause hair loss.

Many alerts, including governmental, have been released about the dangers and/or negative affects of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, yet it is abundant in many popular products.

Check your personal care products (soap, shampoo, toothpaste…), to see if they contain SLS. Decide for yourself if SLS is a good choice for your health.

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