sls2Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, also known as Sodium Laureth Sulfate is a common, inexpensive surfactant and detergent ingredient found in many household products. It is a coarse powder that’s used for its effective foaming capabilities. It’s found in toothpaste, soap, shampoo, facial cleansers, household cleaning products and even car engine degreasers.

It’s used primarily for its emulsifying properties and for stripping and removing oil. If you look on the back of a bottle of any cleanser in your home, whether they’re used for house hold cleansers or body care, you will find Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It is commonly the second item or within the top of an ingredient list.

Being such a common element used in so many products, what could this ingredient possibly do to your skin and can it be toxic? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a known irritant. Since it strips away your natural moisture barrier and your sebum (oil), it can cause skin and eye sensitivities. You can get a burning, itching sensation and even possibly atopic dermatitis. It can cause even greater irritation to more sensitive skin or dry skin types that are prone to rosacea, eczema and psoriasis. Other symptoms can include, redness, itching, burning, dry flakey skin and even hives.

The FDA has not listed Sodium Lauryl Sulfate as a carcinogen, but in certain formulations they’ve found traces of Dioxan, which is a carcinogen. It’s known to cause irritation and possibly cancer. The problem lies in the fact that even though SLS does originate from an organic source like coconuts, it is not extracted. It’s manufactured and in the process, it becomes a contaminate.

These chemicals come under over 150 different names. They are in everything you use, including many over the counter skin care products. If you are using products that contain these ingredients and you are suffering from some sort of irritation, stop the use of these products. If an ingredient is being used in your car engine degreaser and your floor cleaner, how on earth could it be ok to use on your skin?

A greater education of common skincare product ingredients can help you better understand which products to use regularly. At Skin Trends, we only sell products that are safe to use, in addition to being highly effective. The short term appeal and health of your skin is important, but never at the long term cost of your health.

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