Why should we avoid sulphates?

Is the use of sulphates in bath products actually dangerous, or has this ingredient received a bad rap? Most brands of bath products (body wash, shampoo- anything that bubbles, really) include this ingredient. The reason it's used, is because it is an inexpensive detergent and makes mixtures foam well. It bubbles, and it cleans- all good, right? Not necessarily.....

What Science Says About Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

In its report on the safety of sodium lauryl sulfate, the Journal of the American College of Toxicology notes that this ingredient has a "degenerative effect on the cell membranes because of its protein denaturing properties." What's more, the journal adds, "high levels of skin penetration may occur at even low use concentration." The publication expressed additional concerns:

• Carcinogenic nitrosamines can form in the manufacturing of sodium lauryl sulfate or by its inter-reaction with other nitrogen-bearing ingredients within a formulation utilizing this ingredient. the hair follicle could result from such deposition.
• 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.
• Still other research has indicated sodium lauryl sulfate may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. Skin layers may separate and inflame due to its protein denaturing properties.
• Although sodium lauryl sulfate is not carcinogenic in experimental studies, it has been shown that it causes severe epidermal changes in the area it is applied, indicating a need for tumor-enhancing assays.
• Additional studies have found that sodium lauryl sulfate is heavily deposited on the skin surface and in the hair follicles. Damage to

- Final report on the safety assessment of sodium lauryl sulfate." Journal of the American College of Toxicology; 1983.

Don't panic, it is widely recognised that it appears to be safe to use products containing sulphates, briefly, followed by thorough rinsing from the surface of the skin, which we tend to do with shampoos, and body wash, though not bubble bath.

Often, people with eczema, dermititis and other skin conditions are advised to avoid sulphates, as their irritant nature tends to exacerbate these conditions.

If products do not contain Sulphates, can they still clean?

Of course they can! While sulphates are really good cleaners (think engine degreaser ) they are not the only cleaner found in bath products. Common replacements for Citric Acid, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are carboxylate, also known as Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate and Laruyl Sulfoacetate Sodium, a sulfonate. These ingredients are derived from plants and are of a very high quality and are very mild to human skin and eyes. So, products containing these ingredients may cost a little more, but are milder and clean just as well.