Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Need More Facts

After quite a bit of research on health and beauty products, I’ve concluded that sodium lauryl sulfate and its cousin sodium laureth sulfate aren’t necessarily the enemy. There are many rumors going about the internet stating otherwise, but I believe they’re just that, rumors.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (and its related products) is simply a foaming detergent used in a whole array of beauty and cleaning products. It’s popular because quite simply, it gets foamy, and apparently people like foamy. Foam equals clean, right? SLS is also a manufactured derivative of coconut oil, which of course is of a renewable source and easy on the environment. It’s generally accepted that it can cause irritation if left on skin for an extended amount of time, but then again, I’m sure most things, natural or not, left on my skin will cause it grief.

Tom’s of Maine produces a very natural, healthy line of products, yet use the sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in their toothpaste. They explain in their website the use of every ingredient, and strive to offer only the healthiest options in their products. Jason’s Cosmetics however, does not use SLS based on these findings. The article goes on to list its potential to become a carcinogen when mixed with other substances, it’s tendency to cause irritation, and high levels of skin penetration. Their article however makes use such key words as ‘may,’ ‘probable,’ and ‘poses the question.’ So far, two conflicting stories, both sourced from a company marketing its prized products, and both with very little hard facts cited.

The American Cancer Society has published an article debunking the rumors that SLS is a carcinogen, rather just an irritant. While refreshing that it won’t cause cancer, the article does not to explain environmental effects or long term irritability or drying. This same article goes on to flag many of the other articles against SLS as marketing gimmicks, and nothing more. The well renounced Snopes.com supports this same argument, stating again that it is not a carcinogen, though will cause irritation, digestive issues if swallowed in excess, and other displeasures. Though, in SLS’s defense, I’m pretty sure onion in my eye hurts too, and I eat those on a regular basis.

Conclusion? There is no conclusion. We’ll have to make up opotentially carcinogenic aluminum-basedur own minds. While SLS may not be the work of the devil on its own, there are more reasons than just it to consider natural hair and beauty products. Many of these products contain petroleum-based products that are obviously not renewable, as well as a whole slew of questionable ingredients, including vile aspartane in toothpaste, artificial colors in shampoos, and potentially carcinogenic aluminum-based ingredients in deodorant. My true recommendation would be to start reading labels and researching your favorite products before making another purchase. As for me, I’m going to stick with my SLS-laden, yet natural, Tom’s of Maine toothpaste, and kick my 2.99 shampoos to the curb in lieu of some inexpensive natural castile-based concoctions.