What is Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS) and why is it harmful?
SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE (SLS) is a white powder used as a detergent, emulsifier, and surfactant in over a thousand cosmetic products, including shampoos, toothpaste, lotions, and creams. SLS is a strong degreaser that dries skin and hair. It is a primary irritant in high concentrations. SLS is used in many so-called “natural” cosmetics, but it is not natural. It is produced synthetically via the Ziegler process and not with coconut oil (i.e., sulfur trioxide or chlorosulfuric acid). SLS has produced skin and hair damage, including cracking of the horny layer of the skin and a severe inflammation of the dermaepidermal tissue (“Denaturation of epidermal keratin by surface active agents, Journal Invest. Dermatology, 32:581, 1959). The presence of natural ingredients make little difference in the irritating action of these synthetic detergents. Any cosmetic that contains sodium lauryl sulfate can’t be termed as natural, although many shampoos labeled as natural contain large amounts. Also, S
