Sulphates and SLS: Uses, Problems, and Organic Alternatives

Sulphates and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) are two of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. They are surfactants that are responsible for creating the lather and foam that we associate with shampoos, soaps, and other cleansing products. 

Their use however, has been controversial due to various health, environmental, and ethical concerns. 

This article aims to provide an in-depth understanding of what sulphates and SLS are, their effects on the body and the environment, and alternatives that can be used to avoid them.

What are Sulphates and SLS?

Sulphates are a class of compounds that contain the sulphate ion (SO4²-) and are widely used in various industrial applications, including personal care products. The most commonly used sulphates in personal care products are sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES). These compounds are derived from petroleum and are known for their foaming and cleaning properties.

SLS, in particular, is a very strong surfactant that is commonly used in shampoos, toothpaste, and body washes. It is a known skin and eye irritant and has been linked to several health issues, including skin irritation, hair damage, and even cancer.

What SLS and Sulphates Do to the Body

The main concern with SLS and sulphates is their potential to cause irritation and damage to the skin and hair. When used in high concentrations, they can strip the natural oils from the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. They can also damage the hair cuticles, making the hair brittle and prone to breakage.

SLS has also been shown to be absorbed into the body, where it can accumulate in various organs and tissues. This has raised concerns about its potential to cause long-term health effects, including cancer and reproductive toxicity.

Are Sulphate-Free Shampoos the Same as SLS-Free Shampoos?

Sulphate-free shampoos and SLS-free shampoos are not the same thing. While sulphates refer to a specific class of compounds that contain the sulphate ion, SLS is a specific type of sulphate that is commonly used in personal care products. Therefore, a shampoo can be sulphate-free but still contain SLES or other sulphates that may have similar effects on the body and the environment.

SLS and Sulphate Free Shampoos

SLS and sulphate-free shampoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, as consumers become more aware of the potential health and environmental risks associated with these compounds. These shampoos use alternative surfactants that are milder and less likely to cause irritation and damage to the skin and hair.

Parabens are another group of chemicals commonly used in personal care products that have also raised health concerns. Therefore, some shampoos are marketed as SLS and paraben-free.

Best Shampoo for Men: No SLS Paraben Sulphate Free UK

There are many options for men looking for SLS, paraben, and sulphate-free shampoos in the UK. Some of the best options include:

• Organic Clarifying Lemon Shampoo: This vegan and cruelty-free shampoo is free from SLS, parabens, and artificial colours. It contains a blend of organic ingredients such as aloe vera and lemon essential oil. It is great for deep cleansing and oily hair and is one of our best sellers.

• Organic Strengthening Grapefruit Shampoo: This organic and sulphate free shampoo is enriched with Organic Grapefruit Essential Oil, which helps to promote healthy hair growth, strengthen your hair and control dandruff. It is also free from parabens and synthetic fragrances. Suitable for weak and thinning hair and dry, flaky scalps.

• Organic Moisturising Orange Shampoo: This organic and vegan shampoo is free from SLS, parabens, and artificial colours. It contains 100% organic ingredients such as sweet orange essential oil and aloe vera, which help to nourish and hydrate the hair. Suitable for dry hair and scalp. 

• Organic Invigorating Lime Shampoo: This organic and vegan shampoo is free from SLS, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. It contains all organic ingredients such as lime essential oil and aloe vera, which gently cleanse the hair and scalp. Suitable for regular hair.
  

• Organic Everyday Lime & Bergamot Shampoo: 100% organic shampoo that is gentle and suitable for those who are active and wash their hair several times a day.

The above organic shampoo's are also the best sls sulphate free shampoos uk.

Sustainably manufactured in the UK with ethically sourced organic ingredients.

Organic Alternatives to SLS and Sulphates

For those people who are concerned about the potential health and environmental risks associated with SLS and sulphates, there are many organic alternatives available. These alternatives use natural surfactants that are gentler and unlikely to cause irritation and damage to the skin and hair.

Some of the most common organic alternatives to SLS and sulphates include:

1. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is a natural surfactant that is rich in fatty acids, which help to cleanse and hydrate the skin and hair. It is often used in organic shampoos and soaps as a replacement for SLS and sulphates.
2. Castile Soap: Castile soap is a gentle and natural soap that is made from vegetable oils such as olive oil and coconut oil. It is often used in organic shampoos and body washes as a replacement for SLS and sulphates.
3. Decyl Glucoside: Decyl glucoside is a natural surfactant that is derived from corn and coconut oil. It is gentle and non-irritating, making it an ideal replacement for SLS and sulphates in organic shampoos and soaps.
4. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate is a gentle surfactant that is derived from coconut oil. It is often used in organic shampoos and soaps as a replacement for SLS and sulphates.

Organic SLS Free Shampoo

Here at The Good Zest Company, we use Decyl Glucoside as the surfactant in our organic hair care products.

We manufacture organic sls free shampoo here in the UK using ethically sourced and certified organic ingredients. Our products are hand crafted to optimise the benefits of the organic ingredients.

Conclusion

Sulphates and SLS are two of the most commonly used ingredients in personal care products. However, their use has been controversial due to various health, environmental, and ethical concerns. SLS has been linked to several health issues, including skin irritation, hair damage, and even cancer. Sulphate-free shampoos and SLS-free shampoos are not the same thing, and consumers should be aware of the ingredients in their personal care products. 

Organic alternatives such as coconut oil, and decyl glucoside are available for those who are concerned about the potential risks associated with SLS and sulphates.

Choose from our range of organic SLS free and sulphate free shampoo for clean, healthy hair with no health risks