Did you know that one of the most common ingredients in over-the-counter shampoos is sodium lauryl sulfate, also known as SLS? That's right. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent used to add smoothness and body to shampoo. SLS is a detergent that is commonly used in shampoo because of its low cost and ability to foam. While it does leave your hair feeling clean and shiny, there are some things you need to be wary of when using shampoo with SLS.
First of all, it's a cheap alternative to synthetic chemicals. Sodium lauryl sulfate is produced from fatty acids and is widely used as a foaming agent in hair care products. It's cheap because it doesn't have to undergo any processing. However, it also produces a number of potential toxins. For example, during manufacturing, it creates a chemical called sulfated hydrocarbon sebum, which can cause allergic reactions, irritations, and even acne. Other chemicals from the product can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carcinogens, and neurotoxins.
The most common chemical found in shampoos is sodium Laureth sulfate. It's part of the process used to make shampoo foam and also used to help remove dirt and oil from your hair. While it leaves your scalp feeling clean and fresh, there are some problems associated with its use. Some of the problems include:
It interferes with the scalp's natural ability to create sebum. Sebum is a lubricant that helps keep hair and skin healthy. If surfactants are present in your shampoo chemical list, then you're dealing with a substance that strips away that lubricant, leaving your scalp feeling dry and uncomfortable. If you suffer from dermatitis or psoriasis, you will also want to avoid conditioners containing sodium Laureth sulfate. These can also cause redness, itchiness, and flaking.
One other chemical found in most shampoos is lauryl sulfate. It's a surfactant, meaning it gets rid of water from a liquid. This can be okay provided that the product contains only natural surfactants. Some of those natural ingredients include coconut oil, shea butter, and other vegetable oils. However, coconut oil in particular is problematic as both a moisturizer and as an actual emollient.
Most people have heard that sodium Laureth sulfate is bad for your health, but what many people do not realize is that it can be bad for your scalp as well. While surfactants may lubricate the follicles on your scalp, they also can allow toxins to penetrate your scalp and enter your bloodstream. While this is generally good for your health, it can actually increase the likelihood of developing dandruff or psoriasis. Therefore, while using beauty products containing these chemicals might help to keep your hair looking great, they could also lead to harmful side effects.
If you choose to wash your hair with a shampoo that contains surfactants, make sure that the brand you are using is organic. Many brands contain a variety of different chemicals in addition to surfactants, including parabens, phthalates, and triclosan. None of these are considered to be healthy for humans. While they might be useful for cleaning your hair, they should not be a part of your everyday bathing product.
Chemicals in shampoos and other personal cleansing products have been linked to increased risk of cancer, immune system dysfunction, and allergies. Avoid using any type of product that contains these types of chemicals if you want to be as healthy as possible. If you need a deep clean, consider using organic products. These will not only save you money but give you healthier hair, less breakage, and better-looking skin.
