FRIGHTFUL 15: #8 SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) / SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

What Is It and Why in Skincare and Personal Care Products?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and its related compound, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), are found in cosmetics and other personal care products as detergents to make products bubble and foam. It is common in shampoos, soaps, tootpaste, shower gels and facial cleansers. Look for it on labels of anything that foams

So What’s So Bad?

SLS and SLES may be contaminated with measurable amounts of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, ethylene oxide is a known human carcinogen and 1,4-dioxane is a possible human carcinogen. Ethylene oxide can also harm the nervous system.  Both SLS and SLES are irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract and toxic to aquatic organisms.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) SLS is a "moderate hazard" that has been linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, organ toxicity, skin irritation and endocrine disruption.

On labels, related ingredients of concern in this category include:

·         sodium dodecyl sulfate,

·         sulfuric acid,

·         monododecyl ester

·         sodium salt

·         sulfuric acid

·         sodium dodecyl sulfate

·         aquarex me or aquarex methyl

·         ammonium lauryl sulfate (ALS)

VERDAUD does not contain SLS, SLES or any related compounds.