I was using my favorite obsessively natural Active Athletic shower gel by Kiss My Face while I was in the shower one day, post gym workout. I had never taken a look at the ingredients, trusting the fact that they were naturally derived since I had made the purchase at my local Natural Food Co-op: PCC Natural Markets.
As I was lathering up with the shower gel, I picked up the bottle—curious. One glance and I frowned. The second ingredient used in my supposedly all natural shower gel was “Laurylsulfate de sodium”. This is just a fancy way of saying Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. I had heard of this before: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. It was mentioned as a chemical to avoid in a health magazine I frequently read. Unimpressed, I went online after my shower to do some research.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is commonly used in shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, detergents and toothpaste. It is an incredibly effective foaming agent, chemically referred to as a surfactant. SLS achieves the foamy, rich lather that many companies and manufacturers seek to achieve with their products.
Unfortunately, SLS has been reported to be highly dangerous, toxic and a skin irritant. There have been countless reports of children and infants going blind when SLS made accidental contact with their eyes. SLS was originally introduced into the Hair and Body care industry for the purpose of a chemical to be used in wash-off products only.
However, SLS is cheap. Therefore, it’s been accepted as O.K. for endeavors beyond its original purported use. As a result, SLS is widely found in leave-on products as well. The FDA has received numerous reports of negative reactions consumers have had to the chemical. The most recurring reports include eye irritation, skin irritation and arms, hands and face swelling.
According to the Journal of The American College of Toxicology, a report conducted in 1983 showed that concentrations of the chemical where the percentage is negligible: 0.5% or less could still cause irritations. Even scarier, concentrations of 10-30% could cause both irreversible damage to bodily organs and skin corrosion.
As was the case with my so-called obsessively natural shower gel, even companies that tout themselves as a natural brand should be kept under a watchful eye. My best advice for you is to read labels. Scan the ingredients list and if Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or any of its cousins are listed, such as: “Laurylsulfate de sodium” or ”Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)”, stick that bottle back on the shelf and keep looking. Your body will thank you.