What is sodium lauryl sulfate and is it harmful?

In most of the cosmetics that you will find on the shelves in the supermarket, manufacturers use specially designed substances to increase their usability. It is thanks to synthetic additives that dishwashing liquids or shower gels effectively remove dirt and foam well.

One of these additives is the SLS ingredient , which you will find, among others, in cosmetic products, kitchen detergents and even hair dyes. Read why SLS is used in cosmetics and how it differs from SLES .

What does the abbreviation SLS stand for?

SLS is an abbreviation for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, i.e. sodium lauryl sulfate. It is an organic compound, the sodium salt of dodecyl sulfuric acid.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is an anionic surfactant. This means that it consists of a lipophilic element and an anion of one of the groups:

• sulfonate,
• carboxylic,
• sulfates.

SLS is highly soluble in water. It forms a colorless and odorless solution. In solid form, it is a fine, white and free-flowing powder or needles.

Why is SLS used in cosmetics?

As an anionic surfactant, SLS is distinguished by its strong properties:

• washing - effectively dissolves dirt particles,
• emulsifying - combines with dirt, creating an emulsion that easily separates from the skin or other cleaned surface,
• foaming agents - thanks to the large amounts of foam, the detergent spreads well on the surface, and the use of products containing it is pleasant.

The SLS component is also used in the production of cosmetics due to its low production price. Unfortunately, this is not a solution without flaws.

How much SLS should be in cosmetics?

This question is difficult to answer unequivocally, because much depends on the concentration of the solution. Biotechnologists who deal with the production of cosmetics on a daily basis indicate that the concentration of SLS with frequent or long-term use should not exceed 1%.

The problem is that many products contain SLS in concentrations many times higher (often up to twenty times higher than the norm!). What's worse, it can even be added to cosmetics for babies, which are marked as hypoallergenic. Is it really that big of a problem?

What causes SLS ?

At first glance, you may think that Sodium Lauryl Sulfate does not react with the skin. However, you must remember that dermatological changes often take years. Regular use of detergents containing SLS causes:

• damage to the hydrolipid barrier of the epidermis, which leads to dryness and faster wrinkling of the skin,
• sebum secretion disorders,
• irritation of the epidermis, which may lead to the development of itching or eczema,
• burning of the mucous membranes and damage to the hair follicles.

It is also worth pointing out the reports from the biotechnology community, which indicate the deposition of SLS in internal organs such as the lungs or liver.

There is no doubt that SLS in cosmetics is especially recommended for people with delicate and atopic skin. You should also watch out for the presence of this ingredient in cosmetics intended for children, whose natural protective barrier is not yet fully developed.

What is the difference between SLS and SLES?

In addition to SLS, in cosmetics you can also find an additive with a confusingly similar name, i.e. SLES ( Sodium Laureth Sulfate ). In cosmetics, it performs a function analogous to that of SLS , but with one difference. Thanks to the addition of an ethoxy group, its action is more delicate.

According to the guidelines of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, the permissible concentration of SLES in cosmetics may be up to 50% (as a reminder, SLS should be present in a maximum concentration of 1%).

Although SLES contains dioxane, which in the classification of carcinogenic substances received the designation 2B (probably carcinogenic). However, this applies only to very high concentrations of substances, which appear, for example, in paints or solvents.

Where can you find SLS and SLES?

Both surfactants are commonly used in many formulations that we all use on a daily basis. Manufacturers add them to:

• shower gels and bubble baths,
• shampoos,
• toothpaste,
• shaving foam,
• dishwashing liquids,
• washing liquids and powders.

As a result, you will come into contact with these ingredients on a daily basis, unless you start using cosmetics and detergents of only natural origin.

What ingredients in cosmetics are harmful and when can you avoid them?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate are not the only potentially harmful additives to cosmetics that you regularly apply to your skin. Among the particularly popular substances in cosmetics, it is also worth mentioning:

• parabens - used to extend the life of the product,
• diazolidinyl urea - has preservative properties,
• propylene glycol - can cause skin irritation,
• vinylpyrrolidone copolymer - irritating to the respiratory tract,
• triethanolamine - irritates the mucous membranes, dries the skin and hair.

This list could be much longer! If you want to be sure that you use only natural cosmetics, read the ingredients of the products carefully. Choose those that contain herbal extracts as well as micro- and macroelements found in nature.

Producers who promote ecology often use:

• products of animal origin - milk, lanolin, propolis, honey,
• plant extracts - incl. horsetail, marigold, essential oils,
• inorganic salts and oxides obtained from the processing of minerals,
• natural preservatives - e.g. benzoic, salicylic, benzylic acid.

Of course, cosmetics containing natural ingredients are more expensive. They also often foam less and do not smell as attractive as their synthetic counterparts. However, it is a long-term investment that will pay off in the form of well-nourished skin and health for many years.

If you are looking for a place where you can buy semi-finished products for the production of cosmetics, check out the Distripark warehouse offer. We offer ingredients for cosmetics and detergents of only pharmaceutical quality. With us you can count on attractive prices, fast delivery and a wide selection of products.

Take care of your health with Distripark!