What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)? It is a coarse powder used as a foaming agent, produced by combining sulfate and lauric acid. It is used in many commercial products including: detergents, soaps, shampoos, shower gels, bubble baths, cosmetic cleaners, toothpastes, deodorants, mouthwashes, candies, aspirin, laxatives, engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners , car soaps, beauty and skin care products. products There are arguments on both sides regarding the dangers or safety of this compound. Marketing companies have gone to great lengths to exploit consumers’ misguided beliefs for profit throughout history. So what is a consumer to do? What is the truth about sodium lauryl sulfate?

For years, the public has perceived SLS as a cancer hazard. In contrast, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the National Toxicology Program (NTP), and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have all rated SLS as non-carcinogenic. So why the confusion? When this compound is absorbed into the body, it mimics the activity of the hormone estrogen. Breast cancer in women, PMS problems, and decreased male fertility have all been linked to high estrogen levels. Some claim that SLS reacts with ingredients that form nitrates, potential cancer-causing carcinogens. In the 1970s, some shampoos were contaminated with small amounts of nitrates due to ethanolamine lauryl sulfates, not sodium lauryl sulfates. The manufacturers took corrective action.

SKIN CARE

There is cause for concern with SLS in beauty and skin care products. SLS is used in laboratories to cause skin irritations in animals and humans. The healing agents are then tested to see how well they respond to irritations. This compound cleans by corrosion. Dissolves oils in the skin stripping it of its protective surface lipids, disrupting moisture regulation. The skin becomes dry and irritated. Rashes, infections, inflammation, and contact dermatitis can be a common reaction. Environmental pollutants can more easily invade the lower surfaces of the skin. People with sensitive skin, especially, should be careful when using products with high amounts of SLS. The American College of Toxicology states: SLS concentrations of 0.5% may cause skin irritation and 10-30% may cause skin corrosion or severe irritation.

HAIR CARE

SLS can be found in commercial shampoos. Degreases hair and removes dirt. The problem is that residue can remain on the scalp after rinsing. This can cause different problems for the hair and scalp. Some claim that it dries out the scalp, causing flaking, dandruff, and scalp irritation. There is no strong evidence, but some claim that using SLS shampoos, long enough and repeatedly, can weaken hair follicles. This can lead to baldness or split ends, making hair look dull or frizzy.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

So why is SLS used in skin and hair formulations? Basically, the answer is that it is cheap to use. Stop and think for a moment. Do you want to clean your skin and hair with a chemical used to clean engines and driveways? There is an alternative option. Consider making your own homemade soaps, lotions, shampoos, and creams or get a professional to do it.

Goat milk soap is handmade with a combination of essential oils and essential oils. Goat milk itself contains the benefits of vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K! Goat Milk Soap contains fresh goat milk and other ingredients, including: avocado oil, cocoa butter, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, babassu oil, soybean oil, and more. Essential oils can include: lemon, lavender, orange, peppermint, spearmint, patchouli, tea tree, rose, chamomile, and more. Ingredients like aloe vera juice or oats can be added to these artisan soaps for soothing effects on dry, itchy skin, minor skin irritations, acne, inflammations, and more. This homemade soap cleanses and protects against bacterial spread, promoting acne relief. There is a wide variety of goat milk soaps.

Homemade lotions and creams, made from goat’s milk, are healthy for the skin. Goat milk is a buffer that leaves the skin close to its natural pH level. It does not strip the skin, but leaves the acid layer mantle intact. Goat milk has natural moisture-attracting properties, so skin doesn’t dry out. Cleanses and protects against bacterial spread, especially helpful for oily skin promoting acne relief. Recent studies show that goat milk has anti-aging properties. Helps in the regeneration of collagen under the skin, nullifying some of the visible signs of aging.

Goat milk shampoo can help eliminate dandruff and improve scalp conditions. Goat milk nourishes the skin, hair and scalp. A homemade shampoo made by hand with saponified oils, goat’s milk, provitamin B 5, silk, sugar and oat protein can be very healthy for hair and scalp. Hair can look strengthened, shinier, smoother, silkier and more manageable. Split ends may show signs of improvement. Ingredients such as tea tree oil (melaleuca oil) can be added for those with especially oily hair. Scalp conditions such as dryness, flaking, and dandruff may begin to subside. Homemade goat milk shampoo can prevent scalp buildup and reduce minor scalp irritations.

So instead of using commercial products with harsh chemicals or surfactants, you may want to consider using homemade products. Whether you make the products yourself or find a professional to do it, you could have healthier skin, hair, and scalp conditions. Discover the healthy benefits of goat milk products.