Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant that is used in a variety of products such as food thickeners, toothpaste, and floor cleaners. It is a common ingredient in beauty products, washes, toothpastes, and even cleaning products. Here are some key points about SLS:
Positive:
- SLS is very easy and inexpensive to make, and it works well in many situations.
- It is effective in breaking up and soaking up stains, debris, and grease from things like carpets, dishes, etc. .
- It is used to remove excess oil and makeup from skin, remove food particles from teeth, and thicken/emulsify ingredients in certain foods.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes SLS on its list of multipurpose additives allowed as a direct food additive.
Negative:
- Research has found that SLS can irritate the skin, and that warm water makes the irritation worse. This tends to go away when you stop using the product.
- SLS is so known to cause irritation that its used as a positive control in dermatological testing.
- Certain human and animal studies have found that it can be mildly irritating to the skin when used in high amounts or with long exposure times.
- SLS can be drying and problematic, and its often used in combination with other harmful ingredients, such as perfumes, paragons, and synthetic additives, making matters worse.
Ingredients or materials:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is the main ingredient in products that contain it.
- Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) is a surfactant with a similar chemical formula to SLS, but it is milder and less irritating.
In conclusion, SLS is a common ingredient in many products, and while it is generally safe to use, it can cause skin irritation in some people. It is important to note that SLS is not a carcinogen, and there is no scientific evidence to suggest that it causes hair loss or cataracts. If you have very sensitive skin and are prone to rashes, you may want to avoid products that contain SLS.
