Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl sulfate or also known as SLS is used as detergent and surfactant and it is commonly found among our personal care products and home cleaning agents which produce bubbles. Like any other detergents, sodium lauryl sulfate removes natural oil from the skin causing skin irritation. It can also irritate eyes upon contact.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate has found its way to your shampoos, bubble baths, toothpastes and soaps. It is the same chemical used in your usual engine degreaser, garage floor cleaners and car shampoos. Just recently, manufacturers tried to downgrade SLS to what they call “milder” chemical known as sodium laureth sulfate or SLES. Milder or not, it is still the same chemical that can cause gastrointestinal and liver problems.

Your children are also prone to SLS contamination since they can now be found in most baby care and kid’s personal care products. While long term effects of this toxic chemical are not instantly felt, dryness and tight-feeling of the skin is caused by Sodium lauryl sulfate. Severe reactions include inflammation and flaking of the skin.

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