The market is slowly opening up to SLS free shampoo. SLS is the common term used for the chemical sodium lauryl sulfate which is found in about 90% of shampoos worldwide. This is a popular shampoo ingredient because of its detergent quality.
It can also be found in other cosmetic products like toothpaste and skin creams. This also contributes to the bubbling factor in shampoos and the rich lather that we get in our products. However, among the many shampoo ingredients that can be found, SLS is becoming controversial because of the many harmful effects that it can bring to us.
SLS free shampoo began breaking out in the global market because of studies linking SLS to premature balding, skin and scalp irritation, allergic reactions, eye damage and even environmental cancers. Consumers began to worry as the number of studies against SLS started racking up. However, SLS free shampoo has been accepted slowly in the beginning because it does not give us the rich lather that we are expecting in our shampoo. Many users rank shampoos based on its ability to bubble and ease of its application through the lather.
However, research has shown that lather and bubbles do not contribute to the cleaning factor of the shampoo. Other shampoo ingredients give the cleaning and good-smelling factor and these can be accomplished without SLS.
If you are on your way to get your SLS free shampoo, you also have to watch out for sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) or ammonium laureth sulfate (ALS). These are also harmful shampoo ingredients. Check the label of the shampoo that you are buying. Most reviews will tell you that a rule of thumb in getting your hygiene and food products is that if you can’t pronounce it, then it’s a harmful chemical. The same is true for shampoos.
SLS free shampoo and Organics
Instead of sulfate-laden products, look for items that are organic. Many reputable brands now carry all-natural products. It is best to nourish your hair with natural oils and herbal essentials than with chemicals. If you are having a hard time looking for SLS free shampoo in your local drugstore or supermarket, try specialty food stores. Most organic shops that sell all natural food items also carry hygiene brands that are SLS free.
Knowing what we put on ourselves is one way to protect us from the harmful effects of environmental irritants. We do not need the additional worry of lathering ourselves with chemicals that can lead to long term illnesses. SLS free shampoo is a way of protecting ourselves from irritation, allergies and diseases like eye damage and cancer.
It can be difficult to find the best brand for you but it will not hurt to check with your hair dresser and your dermatologist if you are considering going organic. Search the internet and read the different reviews of consumers worldwide on different sulfate-free shampoo brands. With these reviews, it will be easier to get the most recommended and reputable SLS free shampoo available in the store near you.
