Many of us have learnt in recent years which chemicals to stay away from in shampoo, makeup, and other personal care items. We frequently want to keep substances like BPA, parabens, and sulphates out of our homes since scientific study has shown that many of them have the potential to be harmful to both individuals and the environment. In order to examine one of these, let’s first define sulphates.
What Are Sulphates, Exactly?
The term “sulphate” refers to a class of mineral salts that can be either natural or artificial. Water, air, and soil all contain natural sulphates, which are frequently created during the decomposition of plant or animal waste. Lower levels (such as those normally found) of natural sulphates often don’t cause any difficulties, but greater concentrations can result in water that tastes terrible and possibly cause gastrointestinal issues.
In contrast, man-made sulphates are commonly found in cleaning and personal care products. Sulphates are employed in consumer goods as surfactants, or detergents, since they bind to and remove substances like fat, oil, grease, and filth from surfaces.
Which Things Frequently Contain Sulphates?
Finding soaps and shampoos without sulphates is more challenging because the component creates the lathering effect that we have grown accustomed to in many personal care products. Additionally, sulphate compounds are frequently found in the following because of their capacity to remove dirt and grime:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Liquid hand soap
- Body wash
- Toothpaste
- Face cleansers
- Moisturizer
- Cosmetics
- Bath bombs
- Dish detergent
- Laundry detergent
- Floor cleaner
Sulphates List
The most prevalent sulphate compounds, sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLES), are easily identified on the labels of numerous consumer goods. But there are additional kinds of sulphates to look out for, which are frequently listed at the top of a product’s ingredient list:
- Ammonium Laureth
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ethyl PEG-15 Cocamine Sulfate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Lauryl Sulfate
- Lauryl Sulfoacetate Sodium
- Laureth Sulfate Sodium
- Sodium Lauroyl Taurate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Sodium
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Lauroyl Isethionate
- Alkylbenzene Sulfonate
Since there are more than 150 different kinds of sulphates, it’s useful to look for products that specifically say they’re sulfate-free, such as Seed Phytonutrients’ shampoo and conditioner, or use the EWG’s Skin Deep database to make sure the ingredients in your personal care products are safe.
What Makes Sulfate-Free Important?
Examining the chemicals in your goods is crucial, especially when it comes to sulphates, as the reality is that they may cause more harm than good.
Health Risks Associated with Sulphates
Shampoos free of silicones, parabens, and sulphates have grown in popularity, just like other products. This is especially true since sulphates have been linked to a number of health issues. The following are possible sulphate adverse effects, particularly at higher concentrations:
- Dry skin (red, dry, itchy skin may arise from sulphates removing too much oil)
- Inflammation and dermatitis (particularly in those with sensitive skin)
- abdominal pain, such as bloating and cramps
- Having diarrhoea
- inflammation of the lungs (usually due to airborne sulphates)
Sulphates have also been linked to infertility, cancer, and developmental problems, however there isn’t much concrete data to back this up.
Sulphate Environmental Concerns
Sulphates are man-made substances that are frequently derived from petroleum or plant sources such as coconut and palm oil. As you may already be aware of the negative effects of palm oil, it’s critical to acknowledge that products derived from it are causing habitat loss, deforestation, and ethical supply chain problems.
They can also be made of petroleum, which needs to be burned in order to function. Fine particulate matter, or tiny, air-polluting particles, may arise from the formation of sulphate in this situation. In addition to harming plants, forests, and ecosystems, this particulate matter (PM2.5) is linked to negative health impacts and the acidification of soil and water.
According to the EPA, SLES in particular is linked to the emission of 1,4-dioxane, a chemical that is probably a human carcinogen and a major environmental contaminant. That being said, this is the greatest place to start if you’re wondering how to prevent sulphates.
The Bottom Line
In addition to producing a lather unlike any other, sulphates are excellent in eliminating impurities such as oil and grime. However, they have also been linked to dry, red, and itchy skin since they can be a bit too good at it.
Many have been recommended to search for sulfate-free alternatives due to the additional health and environmental problems associated with sulfates. The good news is that we can still wash, rinse, and clean without sulphates, despite the foam that many of us have grown accustomed to.
Try one of the numerous sulfate-free products in our Skin Care, Hair Care, Cosmetics, and Health & Beauty categories today!
Use the code BLOG10 to receive 10% off your first buy when you shop our Sulfate-free Health & Beauty section below!
