The same ingredient that it used in our favorite beauty products may cause hair loss or skin cancers.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is a detergent cleanser that causes the foam in many hygiene and cleansing products.  Although it is used in many hair shampoos, bath and shower gels and bubble baths, it is probably the most dangerous ingredient used in skin and hair-care products. 

It is used around the world for clinical testing as a primary skin irritant (http://www.nature.com/jid/journal/v95/n5/abs/5612811a.html).  Laboratories use it to irritate skin on test animals and humans so that they may then test healing agents to see how effective they are on the irritated skin.

It is also well documented that it denatures skin proteins and causes irritation. This denaturing of the skin allows environmental contaminants easier access to the lower, sensitive layers of the skin and may even be a concern in skin and other cancers.

One of the main effects of SLS is to mimic the activity of the hormone Oestrogen when applied and absorbed into the skin through application. It may be responsible for a variety of health problems from PMS and menopausal symptoms to dropping male fertility and increasing female cancers.

So why is a dangerous chemical like sodium laureth sulfate used in our soaps and shampoos?

It is cheap. The sodium laureth sulfate found in our soaps is exactly the same as you would find in a car wash or even a garage, where it is used to degrease car engines (Healthy-Communications.com).  The cleaning industry uses this chemical in garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers, car-wash soaps.  Just as SLS dissolves the grease on car engines, it also dissolves the oils on your skin, which can cause a drying effect.   

Next time you go shopping for hygiene and cosmetic products, read the ingredients.  Try to find products that do not contain SLS or SLES (sodium laureth sulfate).  Natural products may be the best option!

For more information visit:  http://www.healthy-communications.com/slsmostdangerousirritant.html