Sodium Laureth Sulphate or otherwise known as SLS is a widely used chemical across mainstream cosmetic and household products. Industrially, it is used to decrease engines, was cars and clean your floors. Now that's some strong stuff your putting on your face. SLS is cheap and effective degreaser, so it can break surface tension and separate molecules to allow easier interaction between the product and your hair. Thus making it a ideal and widely used product. SLS is derived from coconut oil.
Though it is manufactured by adding sulfuric acid (from petroleum) followed by neutralization with sodium carbonate (natural mineral). The ethoxylation process is what makes SLS less abrasive with advanced foaming properties. When SLS is ethoxylated, it then forms Sodium Laueth Sulphate. What makes SLS so detrimental to your health is the compound 1-4 dioxane, which is created during the ethoxylation process thus contaminating the product. Interestingly 1-4 dioxane (in 46% of home use products!) is one of the primary components of the chemical defoliant- Agent Orange. Now that you have read that, i hope that you start to read some of our product labels.
You will find this toxic chemical in your shampoo, anti-dandruff products, acne treatments, moisturizers, toothpaste, baby products, body washes, makeup, detergents and mouthwashes. In pharmacy I see this chemical in more than half of the products I sell.
SLS can cause:
- allergic reactions
- rashes
- eye irritations
- acne aggravation
- skin dryness
- dermatitis
- accumulation of chemical in vital organs
The best way to avoid SLS is to become more aware of it. Remember to read all your product labels and do some of your own research. Ill list a few of the products containing SLS so you know which ones to avoid.
- Dove
- Colgate
- Aveeno
- Johnson and Johnson
- Herbal Essence
- Nivea
- St Ives
- Palmolive
- Neutrogena
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