SLS is what’s known as a “surfactant.” This means it lowers the surface tension between ingredients, which is why it’s used as a cleansing and foaming agent.
Most concerns about SLS stem from the fact that it can be found in beauty and self-care products as well as in household cleaners.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is one of the ingredients you’ll find listed on your shampoo bottle. However, unless you’re a chemist, you likely don’t know what it is. The chemical is found in many cleaning and beauty products, but it’s frequently misunderstood.
Urban myths have linked it to cancer, skin irritation, and more. Science may tell a different story.
If you look under your bathroom sink, or on the shelf in your shower, it’s very likely you’ll find SLS in your home. You’ll notice that all of these products are topical, or applied directly to the skin or body.
SLS is also used as a food additive, usually as an emulsifier or a thickener. It can be found in dried egg products, some marshmallow products, and certain dry beverage bases.
SLS strips the skin of its natural oils which causes dry skin, irritation and allergic reactions. It can also be very irritating to the eyes. Inflammatory skin reactions include itchy skin and scalp, eczema and dermatitis.
For some people, continuous use can trigger further reactions as SLS can penetrate the skin making it more vulnerable to the absorption of foreign irritants. Using these foaming products on your face can also cause the skin to become oilier as it overcompensates for the loss of natural skin oils that have been harshly stripped.
Eczema: Do You Suffer from Redness & Itchy Skin?
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.
1 Pet 3:3-4
Sign up for our Newsletter!
FACEBOOK COMMENTS WILL BE SHOWN ONLY WHEN YOUR SITE IS ONLINE