Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - 10 Useful Facts
Ever heard of sodium lauryl sulfate? If you haven’t, then you’re going to want to learn everything you possibly can about this particular chemical.
This is a chemical, which is also known as SLS, that has been getting a lot of attention from the media, bloggers, health experts, and those who are extremely enthusiastic about organic products.
The more you learn about sodium lauryl sulfate, the more you’re going to discover that it plays a very substantial role in your day-to-day life.
Why Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Matters
To put it simply, you’re generally going to hear about sodium lauryl sulfate as it relates to shampoo and other hygiene products. Take a look at most popular shampoos from the largest commercial entities that release these products. Chances are, the stuff you’re using in your hair right now contains SLS.
In fact, SLS is the reason why your hair gets so foamy in the first place. A lot of people take for granted the fact that SLS is such a commonplace component to their shampoos and other hygiene products.
However, a growing number of people are becoming concerned about what SLS is really capable of doing.
While there are some sodium lauryl sulfate benefits that certainly can’t be denied, there are a number of negative elements to the chemical that are getting more and more attention as time goes on.
Sodium lauryl sulfate matters because of its good and bad points. It may turn out that the bad points are such that you may need to begin searching for alternative products, such as sulfate free shampoos.
For this reason alone, it’s worth learning more about SLS. There are a number of factors concerning SLS that are well worth discovering.
10 Useful Facts About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
If you ask someone who has sworn off SLS shampoo products, they’re going to tell you that the negative points of SLS far outweigh the positive points.
While an increasing number of individuals believe this to be true, the ultimate decision in this matter rests with you. With that thought in mind, here’s a look at everything you really need to know about sodium lauryl sulfate:
- #1. One of the most common associations with SLS in shampoo is the fact that it is designed to act as a foaming agent. It is one of the cheapest foaming agents in existence, which is a major reason why it is so often utilized in so many different products.
- #2. Although sodium lauryl sulfate is frequently found in most of the traditional shampoo products currently available on the market, this is far from the only product you’re going to find SLS in. Toothpaste, soap, body wash and laundry detergent are all products that can potentially include SLS in their list of ingredients.
- #3. SLS is derived from coconut oil.
- #4. The history of SLS is a bit on the interesting side. Although there certainly weren’t products containing SLS in ancient times, the coconut was still an extremely important part of everyday life in a number of cultures. Since SLS comes from coconut oil, it’s fascinating to keep in mind that coconuts were used for a variety of purposes. Some cultures took advantage of every aspect of the coconut tree, even going so far as to use the leaves and trunk.
- #5. Over the course of the past several decades, sodium lauryl sulfate has become increasingly prevalent in shampoos and other products. While the chemical is indeed inexpensive, and while it can eliminate oily residues, there are some negative components that must be considered.
- #6. In terms of sodium lauryl sulfate as an ingredient in shampoo, many people find shampoos containing this ingredient to be extremely annoying to their scalp. In addition to this, a number of people have found that shampoos containing this ingredient leave their hair feeling uncomfortably dry.
- #7. SLS has also been found to strip your hair of some of the essential oils your hair needs.
- #8. Some people have even reported that SLS in shampoo have left their hair feeling fuzzy or hopelessly tangled.
- #9. It is also worth noting that many people are in fact allergic to SLS.
- #10. Although the infamous 1990s Internet urban legend about SLS and cancer has since been proven false, there are still concerns as to the long-term damage that can potentially be caused due to shampoos and other products that contain SLS.
SLS In Shampoo Products:
If you’re beginning to wonder if it might be time to seek alternatives to SLS shampoos, the answer to this question could indeed be in the affirmative. This could be the perfect time to start looking at some of your alternatives for shampoo. Thankfully, you’re going to have a lot of options to choose from.
Sulfate free shampoos are continuing to become more and more popular. Utilizing organic ingredients, sulfate free shampoo is not only better for your hair, but it’s also better for the environment.