Is SLS and SLES Bad for You? Spilling the Tea on SLS
Key points:
- SLS is bad for sensitive skin, dry skin, and people with eczema
- SLS is generally considered safe for use in personal care. products by regulatory agencies, but there is ongoing debate about its long-term effects.
- SLS is known to be harmful to aquatic life when it enters waterways (refer to the Chemical Safety Data Sheet). Its use in personal care products contributes to its presence in sewage systems, where it can affect the ecosystem.
- Most "camping soaps" feature SLS or SLES as one of the top ingredients on their lists. Uh oh.
In recent years, ingredient-list-checking has become the norm for savvy shoppers. I'm guilty of it. First thing I do when I find a product with a pretty label that I like is grab it and check first the claims on the front, then the ingredients on the back.
You've probably seen packaging and marketing for personal care products that touts that they're "SLS and SLES Free". That sounds great, we love our buzz phrases, but what does that actually mean?
What are SLS and SLES?
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) are surfactants commonly found in personal care products like shampoos, soaps, and toothpaste. They help products foam and spread more easily.
SLS is known for its strong cleaning power and its usefulness in creating foamy products. SLES is often used as a milder alternative. It undergoes an additional process called ethoxylation, which is to make it gentler on the skin.
Potential Irritation and Sensitivity
One of the most significant concerns about SLS is its potential to irritate the skin. SLS is a strong detergent that can strip away the skin’s natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. For individuals with sensitive skin, eczema, or other skin conditions, SLS can exacerbate symptoms, leading to redness, itching, and discomfort.
The harsh nature of SLS can also affect the scalp, leading to dryness and flakiness in individuals with sensitive skin or those prone to dandruff. For people with color-treated or chemically processed hair, SLS can strip away color and natural oils, potentially causing additional damage.
Impact on Your Protective Skin Barrier
Our skin acts as a protective barrier against environmental pollutants, bacteria, and moisture loss. Regular use of products containing SLS can compromise this barrier, making the skin more susceptible to irritants and allergens. This disruption can contribute to various skin issues, including inflammation and increased sensitivity.
This is important to note for anyone with eczema or dry or sensitive skin. SLS can further irritate skin conditions and dry out skin, causing more problems.
Potential Health Concerns
While SLS is generally considered safe for use in personal care products by regulatory agencies, there is ongoing debate about its long-term effects. Some studies have suggested that SLS could potentially be linked to more severe health issues, including irritation of the eyes and respiratory tract, although definitive evidence is limited. The concern is further heightened when SLS is used in high concentrations or in products that come into prolonged contact with the skin.
Environmental Toxicity Concerns
Beyond personal health, SLS raises environmental concerns. As a surfactant, it is known to be harmful to aquatic life when it enters waterways (refer to the Chemical Safety Data Sheet). Its use in personal care products contributes to its presence in sewage systems, where it can affect the ecosystem.
This is especially concerning when you realize most of the camping soaps you can buy at outdoors shops features SLS or SLES as one of the top ingredients on their lists. Uh oh.
How We Chose Our Stick Soap Ingredients
Our Stick Soap has no SLS or SLES!
Formulating soap and personal care products can be quite the balancing act. On one hand, you want to make sure they are effective in doing what people need them to do (ie. cleaning really well). On the other, you don't want to sacrifice someone's health or comfort, or the environment's health in the process.
We took all of this in consideration when formulating our Stick Soap. Our soap may not lather as foamy as the next soap, but we made that decision to make sure we are doing right by you and the environment.
You can read more about our ingredients and the thought behind our formulations here.
Conclusion: Best To Avoid SLS/SLES
While Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is effective at creating a foamy lather and cleansing, it may not be the best choice for everyone, especially those with sensitive skin, concerns about long-term health effects, or those who plan to use the soap in environmentally sensitive areas (camping). By opting for SLS-free products, you can help protect your skin’s natural barrier, reduce irritation, and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Making informed choices about the ingredients in your personal care products is a step toward healthier skin and a healthier planet.