Sulphates are surfactant that breaks down the surface tension of water and allows it to spread easily. In shampoos, they are used as cleaning agent. The most popular sulfate used in shampoos is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). A concentrated version of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is used to degrease engines. Therefore, if it can strip that grease, it will strip you hair of its natural oils also. This leads hair drying out faster than normal.
Types of Sulfates Used in Shampoos
Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant and popular among shampoo manufacturers because it is an inexpensive and very effective foaming agent. SLES, SLS and ALS are also used in many other cosmetic products for their cleansing and emulsifying properties. They behave similarly to soap. There are many types of sulfates used in Shampoo. Here is the list:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate or SLES
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- TEA Laureth Sulfate
Dangers of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS is considered as the most dangerous ingredient used in shampoos and other hair/skin care products. In the cleaning industry SLS (in higher concentration) is used in products like garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps, etc. It is very corrosive and readily attacks greasy surfaces.
According to a study at the University of Georgia Medical College, SLS may penetrate into the eyes, brain, heart and liver, and remain in the tissues for a good period of time. The same study also reported that SLS penetrated young children's eyes and prevented them from developing properly and caused cataracts to develop in adults.
Regular use of a shampoo that contains SLS may cause hair loss by attacking the hair follicles. It can dry out the hair shaft and dull the hair by taking away its natural luster.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate or SLS is a skin, eye and respiratory tract irritant and toxic to aquatic organisms. SLS containing shampoos are among the highly reported products to the FDA. Reports include eye and scalp irritation, tangled hair, swelling of the hands, face and arms and split and fuzzy hair.
The most worrying fact of the SLS is its property to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen. Once absorbed into the body, SLS may mimic this harmone and as trigger a number of health problems like PMS and Menopausal symptoms, dropping male fertility and breast cancer.
SLS, a toxin itself also allows other toxins to penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream.
There are now shampoos like IHT9 and other personal care products that free from SLS and other harmful chemicals.
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