So, what is all this about Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)?
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is thought to be one of the most harmful ingredients in personal-care products. SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) is even the standard irritant used in Lab tests to irritate the skin so other healing products can be tested for effectiveness.
In industry, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is used in engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners and car wash soaps.
Research shows that SLS and SLES may cause potentially carcinogenic Dioxins and Nitrates to be formed in the bottles of cleaners and shampoos by a reaction with ingredients commonly used in many products.
Possible side effects of SLS:
Attacks the formation of essential proteins in the eyes - linked to cataracts in adults, delays the healing of wounds on the surface of the cornea, retards young children’s eye's from developing properly (esp. under 6's)
Readily penetrates the skin, and builds up in the heart, liver, brain and lungs, and can remain in the system for 5 days - during this time it can cause damage to the immune system, and cause separation of the skin layers resulting in severe irritation of the skin.
Strips the skin of natural oils, corrodes hair follicles and impairs its ability to grow.
A study in Tohuku University in Japan in 1980 found it is a Mutagen... it can change the information in genetic material found in cells.
In toothpaste it can cause microscopic damage to the mouth tissues, which may encourage gum disease and mouth ulcers. Research in Japan shows that SLS from toothpaste is not properly rinsed out of the mouth even after 8 rinses with fresh water
And why do companies put this in our products... TO MAKE THEM FOAM!
This is why we feel that Sodium Lauryl Sulphate should NOT be used in products that are to be put on our skin, in our mouths or on our hair!
There are lots of SLS free goods out there... so even if you don't get them from us, we recommend you try to buy Sodium Lauryl Sulphate free toiletries as much as possible !