Avoid This Potentially Harmful Ingredient: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

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.”

·      Buy homemade soap made from organic ingredients 

·      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