WHAT ARE SULFATES?
Sulfates are essentially cleaning agents used in many products that create suds. They are an inexpensive lathering agent and also help remove dirt and oil from your hair. In the past, the presence of suds has made consumers feel as though the product was working. As it turns out, the sulfates that produce the chemical process aren't very good for your skin or your hair!
So if sulfates are cleaning your hair, why do we advise you to avoid them?
All sulfates dry out your hair and damage hair follicles which results in hair loss. Sulfates also take away natural oils, moisture, and can make your hair strand rough. The absence of natural oils can cause dry and itchy scalp, dandruff and frizzy hair as well as hair breakage. For those of you who color your hair, it also strips hair of color. A 0.5% concentration of the chemical that has been proven to have the potential to act as an irritant. A little research reveals that many shampoos are between 10%-30%!
Sulfates also have the strong potential to be an irritant to your hair, skin and even to eyes. Some people have minor skin irritation while other can have severe allergic reactions!
The strongest of sulfates is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, or SLS, whose mutagen is used in studies to mutate bacteria, denature protein, impair structural formation of young eyes, damage the immune system, and can cause separation of skin layers. Additionally, sulfates cause inflammation, and, in sufficient amounts, can change genetic material found in cells. .
Most shampoos on the market today contain some type of sulfate, so make sure you read the ingredients, even if the brand claims to be chemical or sulfate free. Look for these words: Amonium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Myreth Sulfate (the mildest form of sulfate), TEA Lauryl sulfate, Ammonium Xylene Sulfonate, Sulfer, TEA Dodecylbenzene, Selenium Sulfides, and almost anything else that ends in sulfate, sulfonate, or sulfide.
Go Sulfate-Free
Good alternatives to sulfates are Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate (SLSA) and Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate (DLS). Both are derived from coconut and palm oils and are considered safe, skin friendly cleansers that offer rich lather without the irritation potential of some of the other effective cleansers. They remove oils and bacteria without irritating or stripping the skin.
Also remember that the first 3-5 ingredients are what your products contain the most of. Make sure you are getting premium ingredients that are actually helping your body’s natural processes and defenses.All of Natural Escapes Hair products contain HEALTHY alternatives to Sulfates!