So far in this “Avoid This Ingredient” series, we have
discussed such potential harmful ingredients as artificial colorants,
artificial fragrances, PEG, and DEA/TEA.
Today we will be looking at sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth
sulfate, sodium coco-sulfate, and similar compounds. Sodium lauryl sulfate can be found in many personal care
products: shampoos, soaps, bubble
bath, toothpaste, lotions, liquid body and facial cleansers, and more. It is also in industrial cleansers and
degreasers and household laundry detergent.
What is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)?
Sodium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant derived from
coconut and palm oils. Sodium
coco-sulfate is basically the same, except that it is made from less purified
coconut oil. Sodium laureth
sulfate (SLES) is related to sodium lauryl sulfate made with an additional
ethoxylation step in its manufacturing process. Ammonium lauryl sulfate and magnesium lauryl sulfate are
related surfactant compounds. Sodium
lauryl sulfate (SLS) goes by other names:
Sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfuric acid, monodocdecyl ester, sodium salt,
sodium salt sulfuric acid, monodocdecyl ester sodium salt sulfuric acid,
A13-00356, akyposal SDS, aquarex ME, and aquarex methyl.
What is the purpose of SLS?
As a surfactant, sodium lauryl sulfate has several
functions. It is what gives soap
and shampoos that luxurious lather that we have come to associate with the
cleaning experience. It acts as an
emulsifier, allowing various liquids to hold together in solution. It acts as a detergent, a wetting agent
and prevents clumping.
Does SLS cause cancer?
So far, according to the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance
Association (CTFA) and the American Cancer Society, neither SLS nor SLES are
carcinogenic. That is the
short answer. As of yet, studies
have only been done on the one-time use of one compound alone. No studies have been conducted on
long-term daily use of the chemical soup that makes up most personal care
products. So, we just don’t know if using soap or shampoo containing SLS causes cancer.
SLS and SLES are often contaminated with two known
carcinogens: ethylene oxide and
1,4 dioxane, which is a byproduct of ethylene oxide. 1,4 dioxane is toxic to the brain and central nervous
system, kidneys, and liver.
When SLS combines with TEA, the resulting compound is a
nitrosamine, which is a recognized carcinogen.
What other harm do SLS and SLES cause?
·
Skin irritation; destroys the lipid layer that
keeps the skin smooth and supple
·
Easily penetrates the dermal layers and enters
the blood stream
·
Removes oils from the skin that act as a protective
barrier against harmful bacteria
·
Eye irritation: with prolonged exposure, it can cause blurred vision,
burning, and even blindness.
·
Irritation of the gums; linked to
canker sores
·
Swallowing can cause vomiting and diarrhea
·
Possible hair loss as it irritates and possibly
damages the hair follicles.
·
Dries out the hair shaft and dulls the hair
·
Organ toxicity
·
Developmental/reproductive toxicity
·
Neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption,
ecotoxicology, and biochemical or cellular changes
·
Environmental contaminant
How do I avoid sodium lauryl sulfate?
·
Make your own body and hair care products using natural organic ingredients
·
Look for the genuine USDA Organic Seal
·
Avoid ingredients with any of the following in
their names: “myreth,” “oleth,”
“laureth,” “ceteareth,” any other “eth,” “PEG,” “polyethylene,” “polyethylene
glycol,” “polyoxyethylene,” or “oxynol.”
·
Visit www.naturalhomemadesoap.net
Resources:
1. “Is the Sodium Lauryl
Sulfate in My Shampoo Killing Me?”
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.htm
2. “Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate,”
http://en.wikipedia.org/Sodium_dodecyl_sulfate
3. “Sodium Laureth Sulfate,” http://en.wikipedia.org/Sodium_laureth_sulfate
4. “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate,” http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/706110/SODIUM_LAURYL_SULFATE/
5. “Why You Should Choose
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free Hair and Body Care,” http://www.naturalnews.com/033932_sodium_lauryl_sulfate_shampoo.html
6. “Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:
Facts Versus Fairytales,” http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/07/13/sodium-lauryl-sulfate.aspx
