Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

The mad rush of market season has come to a close again! We would like to send warm thanks to all of you who made this market season such a success and we truly look forward to seeing you in 2009! We would also like to thank everyone for all their questions, as it has motivated us to do some more research and get blogging!

I have decided to write about Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) today because it is a product that is found in everything from toothpaste to bubble bath and shampoos, including products manufactured for children. It is also used in car washes, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers.

WHAT IS SLS?

SLS is a harsh (caustic) detergent. Also known as a surfactant, which breaks down the surface tension of water. "It can actually damage the outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, causing dryness, roughness, scaliness, fissuring, loss of flexibility and reduction of the barrier functions of normal healthy skin. The lipid dissolving action of some detergents, including SLS cause damage to the moisture retaining ability of the cellular level resulting in water loss and loss of water-binding ability" - (Cosmetic Science, C. Prottey, 1978)

SLS and ALS may also damage the skin's immune system by causing layers to separate and inflame.

What does Science say?

The Journal of the American College of Toxicology states that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate has a "degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties." It also states that "high levels of skin penetration may occur at even low use concentration."

The publication expressed these concerns (directly from their website):

• Other studies have indicated that sodium lauryl sulfate enters and maintains residual levels in the heart, liver, lungs and brain from skin contact. This poses the question whether it could be a serious potential health threat from its use in shampoos, cleansers, and toothpastes.

• Some experts believe that young eyes may not develop properly if exposed to SLS and ALS because proteins are dissolved. Especially children under the age of 6.

So why do cosmetic manufacturers use SLS? The answer is simple.... it's cheap and it's readily available.

For more information you may also want to check out Make Your Own Skincare. They have posted an excellent article about SLS!

Take Care!

Just an afterthought.... I am not an expert and I am not writing about SLS to frighten anyone, but I just want to make you aware of the ingredients that are in our everyday personal care products. There will always be differing opinons, so I encourage you to do your homework!